Children’s Health (0-6 years)

Giving your children the best start in life.

Immunisations

 

Here's a checklist of the vaccines that are routinely offered to everyone in the UK for free on the NHS, and the age at which your child should ideally have them.

Girls aged 12-13 years old

  • Cervical cancer caused by human papillomavirus types 16 and 18 (and genital warts caused by types 6 and 11)

    • Vaccine given: HPV (two doses 6-12 months)

    • Site**: Upper arm

14 year olds (school age year 9)

  • Tetanus, diphtheria and polio

    • Vaccine given: Td/IPV (Revaxis), and check MMR status

    • Site**: Upper arm

  • Meningococcal groups A, C, W and Y disease

    • Vaccine given: MenACWY

    • Site**: Upper arm

** Where two or more injections are required at once, these should ideally be given in different limbs. Where this is not possible, injections in the same limb should be given 2.5cm apart.

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Head lice (nits)

Head lice are insects that live on the scalp and neck. They may make your head feel itchy. Although head lice may be embarrassing and sometimes uncomfortable, they don't usually cause illness. However, they won't clear up on their own and you need to treat them promptly

Find out more

When should I worry?

 

Having an ill child can be a very scary experience for parents. If you understand more about the illness it can help you to feel more in control. This booklet is for parents (and older children) and deals with common infections in children who are normally healthy.