Is your child starting primary school in September?

Last updated: 23 September 2024

Next review: 23 September 2025

If your child is starting school in September, please make sure they are up to date with all their vaccinations.

Infant vaccinations

All babies need routine vaccinations at:

  • 8 weeks
  • 12 weeks
  • 16 weeks
  • 12 months old

Please contact your GP surgery to book for their routine vaccinations. 

MMR

The MMR vaccine protects against measlesmumps and rubella (German measles).

All children need two doses of MMR (and other vaccinations) at:

  • 1 year
  • 3 years 4 months old.

Protect your child by making sure they get all their vaccinations before starting nursery and school, where they'll mix with other children.

Polio

The polio vaccine is part of the NHS routine childhood vaccination schedule.

The polio vaccine is given to children at:

  • 8, 12 and 16 weeks old
  • 3 years, 4 months
  • 14 years old

You need all 5 of these vaccinations to be fully vaccinated against polio.

Contact your GP to check if you, or your child, are up to date with your polio vaccinations. For children and babies, you can also check their personal child health record (red book).

If you are not up to date, book an appointment with your GP surgery to get vaccinated free on the NHS.