What is the current UK childhood immunisation schedule?

The NHS schedule includes vaccines at 8, 12 and 16 weeks; boosters at 1 year; preschool MMR and 4-in-1 around 3 years 4 months; HPV at 12–13 years; and teenage boosters (3-in-1 and MenACWY) at 14 years. Always check the latest NHS guidance or ask our team for an up-to-date plan.

Are childhood vaccines safe?

Yes. All vaccines used in the UK are rigorously tested and continuously monitored for safety. Most side effects are mild and short-lived, such as a sore arm or low-grade fever.

Can Bright Futures Health provide catch-up vaccinations?

Yes. We regularly create catch-up plans for children who have missed doses, including MMR, DTP-IPV, MenB, and other boosters. We review your child’s records and build a tailored timetable.

Do you offer private or ‘top-up’ vaccines like chickenpox (varicella) and hepatitis A?

Yes. We offer private immunisations that are not routinely provided on the NHS, including varicella (chickenpox) and hepatitis A. We also advise on travel-related vaccines where appropriate.

Can my child get the Japanese encephalitis vaccine with you?

Yes. For eligible travellers to areas where Japanese encephalitis is present, we can arrange vaccination after a risk assessment based on itinerary, season, and length of stay.

Which travel vaccines might children need?

Depending on destination and risk, children may need hepatitis A, typhoid, rabies, or Japanese encephalitis. We provide individual risk assessments and vaccination plans for families.

What if my child is behind on vaccines?

Don’t worry—most vaccines can be caught up without restarting the entire course. Book a consultation and we’ll map a safe, evidence-based catch-up schedule.

Can vaccines be given alongside a well-child check?

Yes. We can combine immunisations with a consultant-led well-child assessment to review growth, development, and medical history in one visit.

How do I book or ask a question?

You can book online at https://brightfutures.health/book-an-appointment/ or email enquiries@brightfutures.health. For updates and guidance, join our newsletter at https://brightfutures.health/sign-up-to-our-newsletter/.

BLOGS

The Complete Guide to Childhood Immunisations in the UK

Bright Futures Health – Expert Paediatric Care in London

https://brightfutures.health

Why Childhood Immunisations Matter

Vaccines are one of the safest and most effective ways to protect children against serious illness. In the UK, the NHS childhood immunisation schedule offers comprehensive protection against diseases such as measles, whooping cough, meningitis, polio, and more. Following the recommended schedule ensures your child builds immunity at the right time in their development.

At Bright Futures Health, our paediatric consultan,ts Dr Martin Gray and Dr Margarita Burmest,er provide expert vaccine advice, well-child health checks, and private immunisation services — including additional vaccines not routinely offered on the NHS.

The UK Routine Childhood Immunisation Schedule

The NHS schedule is regularly updated based on the latest medical evidence. Below is the current guideline (as of 2025):

At 8 weeks

6-in-1 vaccine (diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, polio, Hib, hepatitis B)
Rotavirus oral vaccine
MenB vaccine
Pneumococcal (PCV)

At 12 weeks

6-in-1 vaccine (2nd dose)
Rotavirus oral vaccine (2nd dose)

At 16 weeks

6-in-1 vaccine (3rd dose)
MenB vaccine (2nd dose)

At 1 year

Hib/MenC booster
MMR vaccine (1st dose)
Pneumococcal (PCV booster)
MenB booster

At 2–3 years

Annual children’s flu vaccine (nasal spray)

At 3 years and 4 months

MMR vaccine (2nd dose)
4-in-1 pre-school booster (diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, polio)

At 12–13 years

HPV vaccine (2 doses, 6–24 months apart)

At 14 years

3-in-1 teenage booster (diphtheria, tetanus, polio)
MenACWY vaccine

(Source: NHS Childhood Vaccination Schedule, UK Government 2025)

Private & “Top-Up” Immunisations at Bright Futures Healt

While the NHS schedule covers the most common serious illnesses, some families choose to protect their children further, particularly if travelling abroad or if their child missed earlier vaccines.

At Bright Futures Health we can provide:

Varicella (chickenpox) – widely recommended but not part of the NHS routine schedule
Hepatitis A – important for families travelling to areas where Hep A is common
Travel vaccines – including Japanese Encephalitis, Rabies, and Typhoid where appropriate
MMR, DTP, and other catch-up vaccines – for children who may have missed doses or require boosters

Our consultants take the time to review your child’s medical history and travel plans to create a personalised immunisation plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

💉 Are vaccines safe?

Yes. All vaccines used in the UK are rigorously tested and monitored for safety. Side effects are generally mild (such as a sore arm or low-grade fever).

🌍 Do I need extra vaccines for travel?

If your family is travelling outside of the UK, especially to Asia, Africa, or South America, additional vaccines may be strongly recommended.

🏥 Can Bright Futures Health give vaccines my child missed on the NHS?

Yes — we regularly provide catch-up immunisations to ensure children are fully protected.

Why Choose Bright Futures Health?

Consultant-led care: All vaccinations are overseen by experienced consultant paediatricians.
Holistic child health checks: Immunisations can be combined with well-child checks and developmental assessments.
Convenient London locations: Chelsea, Chiswick Medical Centre, and Harley Street.
Trusted expertise: Our founders have trained and practised in leading children’s hospitals in the UK, Canada, and the USA.