Important changes to your child’s vaccination schedule – what you need to know

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From July 2025, the NHS is making some changes to the routine vaccinations that babies and young children receive. These changes are designed to keep your child protected in the best and safest way possible.

What’s changing?

1. A new appointment at 18 months old

  • Children born on or after 1 July 2024 will now have a new vaccine appointment at 18 months.
  • At this visit, your child will get:
    • A booster dose of the 6-in-1 vaccine (which protects against diseases like diphtheria, tetanus, polio, and hepatitis B)
    • Their second dose of the MMR vaccine (which protects against measles, mumps, and rubella)

2. One vaccine (Hib/MenC) is being removed

  • The Hib/MenC vaccine, usually given at 1 year old, will no longer be needed for children born after 1 July 2024.
  • This is because the MenC part is already covered by another vaccine given to teenagers, which helps protect the whole population.

3. Some vaccines are being given at different times

  • The MenB vaccine (which protects against meningitis B) will now be given earlier, at 12 weeks instead of 16 weeks.
  • The PCV vaccine (which protects against pneumonia) will now be given later, at 16 weeks instead of 12 weeks. This helps balance the number of injections at each visit.

4. Changes for babies born to Hepatitis B-positive mothers

  • If your baby is born to a mother with hepatitis B, they will no longer need the extra hepatitis B vaccine at 1 year old (if they were born after 1 July 2024).

What does this mean for you?

  • You don’t need to do anything right now. Your GP or health visitor will let you know when your child’s vaccinations are due.
  • These changes are based on expert advice and are designed to keep your child safe and healthy.
  • If you have any questions, speak to your GP, practice nurse, or health visitor.

You can find more information and helpful leaflets on the NHS website.