Childhood Vaccination Information
We understand that parents may have questions about why it is important to have their child vaccinated.
This guide can help you understand the vaccines offered in the UK and when to have them. It also explains how they work and why they're safe and important.
There is also helpful Tips for parents
What to expect after vaccinations
Below you can download NHS information that will be helpful to you
If your family has previously lived in another country
Most countries have comprehensive childhood vaccination programmes but they are not all the same. Your child may be up to date with their vaccinations in their home country but may not have had all the vaccinations that children in the UK receive. For example, some countries’ programmes do not include all the meningitis vaccines which the UK programme has. It is important that your child has the same protection as other children their age against some very serious illnesses.
So if your child has come to live in the UK from another country it is very important that one of our nurses reviews their immunisation record and can then advise you if they need any further vaccinations. If you are not able to provide a vaccination record, or there is any doubt about the vaccinations received, there is the option to fully vaccinate your child with the UK schedule. It is entirely safe to have the vaccines even if they may have previously received them; this is better than taking the risk of the child being unprotected.