Baby · Immunisation

Baby Vaccine Schedule (UK NHS & US CDC)

Full routine vaccine schedule for babies and toddlers — toggle between UK NHS Green Book and US CDC ACIP. Plus catch-up if behind, side effects, prematurity, the MMR-autism myth debunked.

Last reviewed 28 May 2026

Vaccination scheduler

Personalised immunisation schedule

Enter a date of birth to see your child’s personalised schedule.
Schedule reflects the current US ACIP 2026 (CDC) and UK NHS routine schedules. Children with prematurity, immunocompromise, or specific medical conditions may need an individualised schedule — always confirm with your paediatrician or health visitor. Doses ticked as “Given” are stored only in this browser.
What does this mean?
The childhood schedule is engineered around two facts: (1) infants are most vulnerable to invasive bacterial disease (pertussis, Hib, pneumococcus, meningococcus) in the first 6 months; (2) the immune system needs 2–3 priming doses 4–8 weeks apart, then a booster after 12 months, to make long-lived memory. That’s why most countries cluster doses at 2, 4, 6 mo (US) or 8, 12, 16 wk (UK), with a 12–15 mo booster + MMR. Modern combination vaccines (DTaP-Hib-HepB-IPV or 6-in-1) mean a baby gets the same protection with fewer jabs. If you’re behind, the catch-up schedule lets you safely accelerate without starting over — ring your paediatrician/health visitor for a plan rather than delaying further. Routine vaccines are the single most cost- effective intervention in child health (WHO; CDC VPD reports).

When are my baby's vaccinations?

Use the calculator above to see vaccines by age. Toggle between UK NHS and US CDC schedules. Both are evidence-based; differences reflect national decisions (epidemiology and cost-effectiveness thresholds), not vaccine quality.

UK NHS routine schedule (quick reference)

  • 8 weeks: 6-in-1 (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, Hib, hepatitis B), rotavirus (oral), MenB.
  • 12 weeks: 6-in-1, pneumococcal (PCV), rotavirus.
  • 16 weeks: 6-in-1, MenB.
  • 1 year: Hib/MenC, MMR, PCV, MenB.
  • 2-15 years (annual): influenza nasal spray.
  • 3 years 4 months: pre-school booster (4-in-1) + MMR (2nd dose).
  • 12-13 years: HPV.
  • 14 years: 3-in-1 teenage booster + MenACWY.

US CDC schedule highlights

  • Birth: hepatitis B.
  • 2 months: hepatitis B, rotavirus, DTaP, Hib, PCV, IPV.
  • 4 months: same set.
  • 6 months: hepatitis B, rotavirus, DTaP, Hib, PCV, IPV, annual influenza, annual COVID.
  • 12-15 months: MMR, varicella, hepatitis A (start), PCV, Hib.
  • 4-6 years: DTaP, IPV, MMR, varicella.

Why do babies need so many vaccines so early?

Newborns are most vulnerable to several serious infections — pertussis, Hib meningitis, pneumococcal disease, rotavirus, hepatitis B. Maternal antibodies fade by 6-12 weeks. The 8-, 12-, 16-week timing is when babies’ immune systems are mature enough to respond, just as maternal protection drops.

Multiple shots same day are not “overloading” — the immune system handles thousands of antigens daily from food, dust, normal bacteria. Adding 3 vaccines is a tiny fraction of normal antigen exposure.

What are the side effects?

Mild and short-lived in most babies:

  • Within 24 hours: redness, swelling, soreness at injection site.
  • Mild fever (especially MenB and PCV).
  • Fussiness, reduced appetite, drowsiness for a feed or two.
  • By 48 hours: usually back to normal.

MenB is the most reactogenic — fever very common. NICE recommends prophylactic paracetamol (the ONLY vaccine where this is advised): 2.5 ml infant paracetamol at vaccination time, then again at 4 and 8 hours. Doesn’t reduce vaccine effectiveness.

Severe reactions (anaphylaxis) are extremely rare — about 1 in a million doses. That’s why babies wait 15 minutes at the clinic.

Catch-up — if my baby is behind

Catch-up is straightforward. UK: Green Book Chapter 11 specifies intervals for delays. US: ACIP Table 2 (annual MMWR). Key principle: don’t restart any series — completed doses always count. Call your GP / HV / paediatrician to plan. Even children entering school behind can usually complete the routine schedule before age 5. See /calculators/vaccine-catchup for the catch-up calculator.

Should I delay vaccines if my baby is unwell?

A minor illness (cold, mild fever < 38 °C) is NOT a contraindication. Hold doses only for:

  • Moderate-to-severe acute illness (definitely if ≥ 39 °C).
  • Specific contraindications (anaphylaxis to a previous dose).
  • Live vaccines in immunocompromised children.

UKHSA Green Book and CDC: babies with mild cold symptoms, mild fever, snotty nose can still be safely vaccinated.

Different scenarios — common questions answered

Scenario 1: 8-week-old, mild runny nose, due first jabs tomorrow

Proceed. Mild cold symptoms are NOT a contraindication. Skipping for minor illness is a common but unnecessary delay.

Scenario 2: 12-week-old former 30-week preterm baby

Use chronological age, NOT corrected age, for routine vaccinations. Get jabs at 12 weeks chronological. Preterm babies are MORE vulnerable to vaccine-preventable infections, not less. Apnoea monitoring for first vaccinations if very preterm (< 28 weeks corrected).

Scenario 3: 4-month-old, missed 12-week jabs at GP closure

Catch up at next available visit. The dose given at 4 months counts as the 12-week dose (just delayed). Then 16-week dose at 5 months, etc. Don’t restart.

Scenario 4: Family travelling abroad with 6-month-old

MMR can be given early (from 6 months) if travelling to a measles endemic area — this early dose doesn’t count toward routine schedule; routine MMR still given at 1 year and 3 years 4 months. Travel-specific vaccines (hepatitis A, typhoid, yellow fever in older children) per destination.

Scenario 5: Child has eczema and egg allergy — MMR safe?

YES. MMR vaccine is produced in chick embryo fibroblast cell cultures — trace egg protein only. Routine vaccination is safe even in severe egg-allergic children (UK NHS / AAP). Live attenuated flu nasal spray also safe in most egg allergy. Only yellow fever vaccine has a real egg-allergy contraindication.

The MMR-autism myth — settled science

The 1998 Wakefield paper that suggested an MMR-autism link was retracted by The Lancet in 2010 for serious methodological flaws and research misconduct; Wakefield was struck off the UK medical register. Since then, studies of over 1 million children combined:

  • Madsen 2002 (Denmark, 500,000+ children) — no link.
  • Jain 2015 (US, 95,000 children including high-risk autism siblings) — no link.
  • Hviid 2019 (Danish cohort, 657,000 children) — no link.

Autism rates are similar in vaccinated and unvaccinated children. The increased autism prevalence reflects broader diagnostic criteria and better recognition — NOT vaccines. Withholding MMR exposes the child (and their immunocompromised contacts) to measles, mumps, rubella — all with real risks (encephalitis, orchitis, congenital rubella syndrome).

What about vaccine ingredients? (Aluminium, formaldehyde, thimerosal)

  • Thimerosal — removed from all routine UK and US childhood vaccines (UK never used in childhood; US since 2001). Ethyl mercury (different from neurotoxic methyl mercury in fish) was metabolised and excreted in days anyway.
  • Aluminium adjuvants — decades of safety data. Total dose across entire infant schedule is LESS than aluminium an exclusively breastfed baby takes in over the same period (FDA Mitkus 2011 model).
  • Formaldehyde — trace residual from manufacturing. Your body produces 1.5 oz of formaldehyde/day naturally. Vaccine residual is 0.0001 g per dose.
  • Egg protein — trace in MMR (chick embryo culture), flu vaccines. Safe in most egg allergy.

Vaccines in pregnancy

  • Pertussis (whooping cough): 16-32 weeks of every pregnancy. Cuts under-3-month pertussis by ~90% via maternal antibody transfer.
  • Influenza: any trimester. Protects mum from severe flu, baby through maternal antibodies for ~6 months.
  • COVID: current recommendations vary by country.
  • RSV: 28-32 weeks (UK NHS from autumn 2024 in some areas).
  • Avoid in pregnancy: live vaccines (MMR, varicella, yellow fever, BCG).

Care guidance — the day of vaccination

  • Feed before — well-fed baby is calmer.
  • Bring a comfort item — muslin, soft toy.
  • Stay 15 minutes after (anaphylaxis observation).
  • Cuddle and feed immediately after — reduces crying.
  • Paracetamol if uncomfortable: 2.5 ml infant paracetamol (60 mg). For MenB: prophylactic dosing per NICE.
  • Loose-fitting clothing over injection sites.
  • Cool compress if local swelling/redness.
  • Watch for high fever (≥ 39 °C) lasting > 24 hours — GP review.
  • Don’t worry about fussiness for 1-2 days — normal.
  • Record dates in red book / immunisation record.

Sources

  • UKHSA. The Green Book: Immunisation against Infectious Disease.
  • CDC. Recommended Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule, United States, 2026.
  • NICE NG175. COVID-19 rapid guideline.
  • Hviid A, et al. Measles, Mumps, Rubella Vaccination and Autism: A Nationwide Cohort Study. Ann Intern Med 2019;170:513-520.
  • Mitkus RJ, et al. Updated aluminum pharmacokinetics following infant exposures. Vaccine 2011.
  • WHO. Vaccines and immunization.

Frequently asked questions

What vaccines does my baby need?
UK NHS routine schedule: 8 WEEKS: 6-in-1 (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, Hib, hepatitis B), rotavirus (oral), MenB. 12 WEEKS: 6-in-1, pneumococcal (PCV), rotavirus. 16 WEEKS: 6-in-1, MenB. 1 YEAR: Hib/MenC, MMR, PCV, MenB. 3 YEARS 4 MONTHS: pre-school booster (4-in-1 + MMR). Plus annual flu nasal spray from 2-15 years; and seasonal RSV protection in some areas. US CDC schedule similar but with hepatitis A, varicella (chickenpox), annual COVID, more PCV doses. Both schedules are evidence-based.
Why do babies need so many vaccines so early?
Newborns are most vulnerable to several serious infections (pertussis, Hib meningitis, pneumococcal disease, rotavirus, hepatitis B). Maternal antibodies provide protection for ~6-12 weeks but then fade. The 8-, 12-, 16-week timing is when babies' immune systems are mature enough to respond well, just as maternal protection drops. Multiple shots same day are not 'overloading' — the immune system handles thousands of antigens daily. Combining vaccines (e.g. 6-in-1) reduces injections and improves uptake.
Can my baby have multiple vaccines on the same day?
Yes — safe and standard. The 8-, 12-, and 16-week NHS visits each give 2-3 vaccines simultaneously. Combined vaccines (e.g. 6-in-1 protects against 6 diseases in one injection) reduce the total number of jabs. The immune system encounters thousands of antigens daily from food, dust, bacteria — adding 3 vaccines is a tiny fraction of normal antigen load. Multi-vaccine visits don't increase side-effect rates significantly compared to single doses.
What are the common side effects?
Mild and short-lived in most babies. WITHIN 24 HOURS: redness, swelling, soreness at injection site; mild fever (especially MenB and PCV); fussiness; reduced appetite for a feed or two; sometimes drowsy. By 48 hours: usually back to normal. MENINGOCOCCAL B is the most reactogenic — fever common; NICE recommends PROPHYLACTIC PARACETAMOL (the only vaccine where this is advised) at vaccination time, 4 and 8 hours later. Severe reactions (anaphylaxis) are extremely rare (~1 in a million doses) — that's why babies wait 15 min in the clinic.
Should I delay vaccinations if my baby has a cold?
No. A minor illness with low-grade fever (under 38 °C) is NOT a contraindication — postponing vaccination for a cold is a common but unnecessary miss. Hold doses only for: moderate-to-severe acute illness (definitely if temperature ≥ 39 °C); specific contraindications like anaphylaxis to a previous dose; or live vaccines in immunocompromised children. Babies with cough, runny nose, mild fever can still be vaccinated safely. Per UKHSA Green Book and CDC.
My baby is behind — how does catch-up work?
Catch-up is straightforward. UK: Green Book Chapter 11 specifies catch-up intervals for delays. US: ACIP Table 2 (annual MMWR) gives minimum intervals between delayed doses. KEY PRINCIPLE: don't restart any series — completed doses always count. The next dose is given at the next visit after the minimum interval. Call your GP / health visitor / paediatrician to plan. Even children entering school behind schedule can usually complete the routine schedule before age 5.
Are vaccines safe for preterm babies?
Yes — and they FOLLOW THE CHRONOLOGICAL AGE schedule, not corrected age. A baby born at 32 weeks gets their 8-week jabs at 8 weeks chronological (= -4 weeks corrected). This is because preterm babies are MORE vulnerable to vaccine-preventable infections, not less. Apnoea monitoring is recommended for very preterm babies (under 28 weeks corrected) during first vaccinations. Hepatitis B is given at birth for at-risk preterms. NICU teams coordinate.
What about immunocompromised children?
Individualised schedule with specialist team. LIVE vaccines (MMR, varicella, rotavirus, BCG, yellow fever, nasal flu, oral typhoid) are usually CONTRAINDICATED in significant immunocompromise. NON-LIVE vaccines are usually safe and given on schedule (sometimes extra doses, e.g. annual influenza, extra pneumococcal). Examples of conditions: leukaemia, organ transplant, HIV (depending on CD4), severe combined immunodeficiency, high-dose oral steroids ≥ 2 weeks, biologic therapy. Specialist input essential.
Does the MMR vaccine cause autism?
NO. The 1998 Wakefield paper that suggested this was RETRACTED by The Lancet in 2010 for serious methodological flaws and research misconduct; Wakefield was struck off the UK medical register. Subsequent large studies have looked at over 1 MILLION children combined (Madsen 2002 Denmark, Jain 2015 US, Hviid 2019 Danish cohort of 657,000) — NO link between MMR and autism. Autism rates are similar in vaccinated and unvaccinated children. The increased autism awareness and broader diagnostic criteria explain the rise in prevalence, NOT vaccines. Withholding MMR exposes the child (and their immunocompromised contacts) to measles, mumps, rubella — all with real risks.
What about thimerosal / mercury in vaccines?
Thimerosal (ethyl mercury preservative) was removed from ALL routine childhood vaccines in the US in 2001 and is NOT used in any UK childhood vaccine. The remaining adult flu vaccine multidose vials contain a tiny amount; single-dose forms are thimerosal-free. Ethyl mercury (in vaccines) is metabolised and excreted within days — DIFFERENT from methyl mercury (in fish) which is the neurotoxic form that bioaccumulates. CDC, EMA, MHRA all confirm safety. The persistent online concern about mercury in modern childhood vaccines is misinformed.
What's in vaccines besides the active ingredient?
Trace amounts of: STABILISERS (sucrose, gelatin, MSG) — prevent vaccine breakdown; ADJUVANTS (aluminium salts, AS01, AS04) — boost immune response; PRESERVATIVES (only in some multi-dose adult vials); RESIDUALS from manufacturing (formaldehyde, egg protein, antibiotics). Aluminium adjuvants have decades of safety data — the total dose across the entire infant schedule is LESS than aluminium an exclusively breastfed baby takes in over the same period (FDA Mitkus 2011 model). Formaldehyde — your body makes 1.5 ounces/day naturally; vaccine residual is 0.0001 g per dose.
What is the flu nasal spray?
Live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV) — given as a nasal spray (NOT injection) to children aged 2-15 in the UK (3-17 in US for healthy children). Annual. Effective at reducing flu illness AND reducing transmission to vulnerable family members (grandparents, immunocompromised, babies under 6 months). Mild cold-like side effects possible. CONTRAINDICATIONS: severe asthma, immunocompromise, recent close household contact with severe immunocompromise (small theoretical viral shedding). Babies under 2 get injected flu vaccine if at-risk.
When do toddlers get the MMR vaccine?
UK: first dose at 1 YEAR (12 months); second dose at 3 YEARS 4 MONTHS (with pre-school booster). US: first dose at 12-15 months; second dose at 4-6 years. The two doses give ~99% protection against measles, mumps, rubella. A measles outbreak in any community is a sign that uptake has dropped below the 95% herd-immunity threshold. If travelling abroad with under-1, an early MMR dose can be given from 6 months (doesn't count toward routine schedule).
What about the MenB vaccine?
Meningococcal group B vaccine. UK universal since 2015 (8 weeks, 16 weeks, 1 year). One of the most reactogenic vaccines — fever very common. NICE recommends PROPHYLACTIC PARACETAMOL (only vaccine where this is advised): 2.5 ml infant paracetamol at vaccination time, then again at 4 hours and 8 hours. Doesn't reduce vaccine effectiveness. Significantly reduced infant meningococcal disease — a devastating illness with rapid progression and high mortality.
Should pregnant women get vaccines?
YES — specifically: PERTUSSIS (whooping cough) at 16-32 weeks of every pregnancy (protects baby until their own 8-week vaccine kicks in — cuts under-3-month pertussis by ~90%). INFLUENZA (any trimester) — protects mum from severe flu in pregnancy, and baby through maternal antibody transfer for the first 6 months. COVID — current recommendations vary; check your country. RSV vaccine 28-32 weeks in some countries (UK NHS from autumn 2024). All recommended in pregnancy are non-live. Live vaccines (MMR, varicella, yellow fever) generally avoided in pregnancy.
How does this relate to other calculators on BumpBites?
Companion: /calculators/vaccine-catchup for the catch-up scheduler; /calculators/vaccine-reaction for normal vs concerning reactions; /calculators/baby-fever for fever decision-making; /calculators/milestone-tracker for the well-child visit timing; /calculators/pediatric-dose for paracetamol dosing post-vaccine; /calculators/baby-percentile for growth tracking at well visits.

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