Childhood Immunisations at Eltham Medical Practice

Childhood Immunisations at Eltham Medical Practice (EMP)

Immunisations are the safest and most effective way to protect your child from serious illnesses. Diseases such as measles, mumps, rubella, whooping cough, diphtheria, polio, meningitis and certain types of pneumonia can be devastating. Globally, the World Health Organisation estimates that 1.5 million deaths each year are caused by vaccine-preventable diseases. Even locally, outbreaks of measles and whooping cough have occurred in recent years.

In the UK we are fortunate to have free, effective vaccinations that protect our families. Most childhood vaccines offer long-term or lifelong protection. It is important that babies and children receive their immunisations on time to ensure they are fully protected.

You are encouraged to bring your child for their vaccinations according to the UK routine schedule. These are due at:
8 weeks, 12 weeks, 16 weeks, 1 year, and 3 years 4 months, with annual flu vaccines offered from 2–11 years.
Some vaccines require several doses for full protection, so please attend all appointments.

Your Baby’s Vaccination Schedule

8 weeks:

  • 6-in-1 vaccine
  • Rotavirus (RV) vaccine
  • MenB vaccine

12 weeks:

  • 6-in-1 vaccine — 2nd dose
  • Pneumococcal (PCV) vaccine
  • Rotavirus (RV) vaccine — 2nd dose

16 weeks:

  • 6-in-1 vaccine — 3rd dose
  • MenB vaccine — 2nd dose

1 year:

  • Hib/MenC combined vaccine
  • MMR (measles, mumps, rubella)
  • PCV — 2nd dose
  • MenB — 3rd dose

2–11 years:

  • Annual flu vaccine

3 years 4 months:

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

Non-urgent advice: Remember

It is never too late. If your child has missed or is late for immunisations, we can still catch them up!

Our practice nurses are always happy to discuss any concerns before vaccination. You’ll also find a section of frequently asked questions further below.

We also offer early morning and late evening appointments to support working parents.
Please book your child’s immunisation appointment with one of our practice nurses.

The Red Book

Your child’s Personal Child Health Record (PCHR), or “red book”, is used to record their growth, vaccinations and key developmental information. Please bring it to every appointment so we can keep it up to date.

Frequently Asked Questions

Immunisation protects against serious diseases. Once vaccinated, your child’s immune system can recognise and fight the infection quickly if they come into contact with it.
Many infections can cause severe illness before the immune system has time to defend the body. Vaccinations strengthen this defence by helping the body produce antibodies safely, without your child having to experience the disease itself.

Around the world, infectious diseases cause around 15 million deaths every year—more than half in children under five. Many of these could be prevented by vaccination.
Vaccines have been so successful that many diseases have become rare here. However, infections can be brought into the country through travel. Unvaccinated children are at risk. Vaccination protects individuals, families and the wider community, including those who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons.
No. All vaccines recommended by the Department of Health are free, including:
– Childhood vaccines
– Seasonal flu and pneumococcal vaccines for those at higher risk
Yes. Vaccines undergo rigorous testing before they are licensed, and safety is continually monitored. Side effects are usually mild and temporary. Research worldwide shows that vaccines are among the safest forms of medicine.

Vaccines contain either a small part of a virus/bacterium, or a substance they produce, which triggers the immune system to make antibodies. This prepares the body to fight the real infection.

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