Childhood Injections

At Manor Medical Practice, we strongly encourage parents to immunise their children. Since the introduction of the meningitis vaccine, we have seen a significant drop in the number of children getting meningitis. The number of children receiving the MMR vaccine has dropped recently, and the number of serious childhood illnesses such as measles has increased.  It is becoming increasingly clear that the safety fears surrounding immunisations (MMR in particular) are unfounded. The benefits of immunising seem to far outweigh the extremely small risks.

a baby lying on a bed

When should they be given?

If a vaccine is given when a baby still has antibodies to the disease, the antibodies can stop the vaccine working. This is why routine childhood immunisations do not start until a baby is two months old, before the antibodies a baby gets from its mother have stopped working. This is also why it is important for parents to stick to the immunisation schedule, as a delay can leave a baby unprotected. A delay can increase the chance of adverse reactions to some vaccines, such as pertussis (whooping cough).

8 weeks:

  • 6-in-1 vaccine
  • PCV (pneumococcal) vaccine
  • RV (rotavirus) vaccine
  • MenB vaccine

12 weeks:

  • 6-in-1 vaccine – 2nd dose
  • RV (rotavirus) vaccine – 2nd dose

16 weeks:

  • 6-in-1 vaccine – 3rd dose
  • PCV (pneumococcal) vaccine – 2nd dose
  • MenB vaccine – 2nd dose

1 year:

  • Hib/MenC vaccine given as a single jab containing vaccines against meningitis C (1st dose) and Hib (4th dose)
  • MMR vaccine (measles, mumps and rubella), given as a single jab
  • PCV (pneumococcal) – 3rd dose
  • MenB vaccine – 3rd dose

a book on a table

Health & Development Checks

Your baby's health checks are very important – they are an opportunity to check that your baby is developing properly.  They are usually carried out by your health visitor either at home or in your GP surgery, baby clinic or children's centre. These development checks are also a good opportunity for you to raise any concerns you might have.  Your baby's very first health check takes place shortly after they are born, and they'll continue until your child is 2 to 2 1⁄2 years old.