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Childhood Vaccinations

Childhood vaccinations help protect babies, children and young people from infectious diseases that can make them seriously unwell.

Thanks to vaccination, many of these illnesses are now uncommon in the UK. However, they have not disappeared completely and can spread again when fewer people are protected, including within communities across Suffolk.

Vaccination helps protect:

  • Your child

  • Other children they mix with

  • Babies and vulnerable people who cannot be vaccinated

All childhood vaccinations offered by the NHS have been used in millions of children worldwide and have an excellent safety record. All health authorities worldwide agree that vaccination is the safest way to protect our children’s health.

Childhood vaccines alone prevent between 3.5 and 5 million deaths each year across the globe.

The NHS childhood vaccination schedule

Following the NHS childhood vaccination schedule helps give children the best possible protection as they grow.

Learn more about the NHS childhood vaccination schedule

Check your child’s red book or speak to their GP practise to see if they are up to date with their vaccines. If you do have questions, do not hesitate to speak to your GP or health visitor – they will be happy to discuss vaccines and guide your through the vaccination schedule.

While it is best for your children to have their vaccinations according to the NHS vaccination schedule, it is never too late to check if they can still have them. If your child has missed any vaccinations, then it is best to speak to your GP.

Use the blue drop down below to learn more about the main vaccines offered and the diseases they protect against.

Overview of the childhood vaccine schedule available in the UK

What if my child's vaccines are not up to date?

Step 1: Check whether your child has had all of the vaccines they should have had.

You can look in the ‘immunisation’ section in your child’s red book (Personal Child Health Record) to see if they have received their MMR vaccination.

If you’re still unsure, check their records with their GP or email
the vaccination clinic hct.csaissnee@nhs.net

Step 2: If your child is missing any vaccination, book an appointment to get them up to date.

This can be done at a vaccination clinic or the GP If you would like to book a place on a clinic, please call 0300 555 5055 option 3 to book appointments for any outstanding vaccinations.

Important - Please do not attend a clinic without booking in advance.

Example: My Child Personal Health Record (Little Red Book)

List of vaccination clinics:

For further information and support you can visit the following websites:

Suffolk and North East Essex Vaccination Services - sneevaccine.org.uk/

Norfolk & Waveney Vaccination Services - improvinglivesnw.org.uk/our-work/healthier-communities/infection-prevention-and-control/measles/