Vaccinations are one of the most effective ways to protect your child against serious illnesses. It is important that your child receives their vaccinations at the recommended age to ensure they have the best possible protection.

Routine Childhood Vaccination Schedule

Important changes to the vaccination schedule

The NHS childhood vaccination programme changed from January 2026.

The MMRV vaccine protects against measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (chickenpox) and has been introduced into the routine childhood vaccination programme.

There is also a new 18-month vaccination appointment for eligible children, which includes a fourth dose of the 6-in-1 vaccine and an MMRV dose.

The exact vaccines offered to your child may depend on their date of birth and previous vaccination history.

Has your child missed a vaccination?

Don't worry if your child has missed a vaccination. Most vaccinations can still be given later.

Please contact the practice so that we can check your child's vaccination record and arrange any vaccinations they may have missed.

You can also check your child's Red Book (Personal Child Health Record) to see which vaccinations they have already received.

For the latest NHS vaccination schedule:
https://www.nhs.uk/vaccinations/nhs-vaccinations-and-when-to-have-them/

More information about children's vaccinations:
https://www.nhs.uk/best-start-in-life/toddler/vaccinations-for-children/

Children often experience common illnesses as they grow. Most are mild and can be managed at home, but it is important to recognise when your child may need medical advice.

Use the links below to find NHS information, pictures and advice about common childhood symptoms and illnesses.

🌡️ Fever / High Temperature

A high temperature in children is 38°C or above. Fever is common and is usually the body's natural response to an infection.

NHS – High temperature (fever) in children
https://www.nhs.uk/symptoms/fever-in-children/

🔴 Rashes

Rashes are common in babies and children and many are harmless. The NHS visual guide can help you identify common childhood rashes and understand when to seek medical help.

NHS – Rashes in babies and children
https://www.nhs.uk/symptoms/rashes-babies-and-children/

🤧 Colds, Coughs & Ear Infections

Colds, coughs and ear infections are common in young children and often improve without specific treatment.

NHS – Colds, coughs and ear infections in children
https://www.nhs.uk/baby/health/colds-coughs-and-ear-infections-in-children/

🤢 Diarrhoea & Vomiting

Diarrhoea and vomiting are common in children. Keeping your child hydrated is particularly important.

NHS – Diarrhoea and vomiting
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/diarrhoea-and-vomiting/

👶 Is Your Child Seriously Unwell?

Parents and carers know their child best. Seek medical help if you are concerned that your child is seriously unwell.

Warning signs can include:

• Difficulty breathing or very fast breathing

• Being unusually sleepy, difficult to wake or confused

• Blue, grey, unusually pale or blotchy skin, lips or tongue

• Not feeding normally

• Signs of dehydration, such as fewer wet nappies

• Green vomit

• A seizure or fit

• A rash that does not fade when pressed with a clear glass

• A baby under 3 months with a temperature of 38°C or higher

Call NHS 111 or contact your GP practice if you need urgent medical advice.

Call 999 in a medical emergency, including if your child stops breathing, will not wake up, has severe difficulty breathing, has a first febrile seizure, has a severe allergic reaction, or has a red or purple rash that does not fade when pressed with a clear glass.

🔎 NHS Child Health Guide

For further information about common childhood illnesses, symptoms, medicines and caring for an unwell child, visit:

NHS – Baby and Child Health
https://www.nhs.uk/baby/health/