Vaccines for children

Why childhood immunisation is important

The World Health Organization (WHO) has listed vaccine hesitancy as one of the biggest threats to global health.

Immunisation prepares the body to fight serious infections that might happen in the future.

Young babies are very vulnerable to infections, so they need to be protected as early as possible.

Your child needs several different vaccines to be fully protected, so it’s important to complete their full course of vaccines through the childhood immunisation programme. 

Vaccination is the most important thing you can do to protect yourself and your children against ill-health. They prevent millions of deaths worldwide every year.

Since vaccines were introduced in the UK, diseases like smallpox, polio and tetanus, that used to kill or disable millions of people are either gone or are now very rarely seen.

Other diseases like measles and diphtheria have reduced to a very low number of cases each year since vaccines were introduced. These cases are often related to travel.

However, if people stop having vaccines, it's possible for infectious diseases to quickly spread again.

In recent years Northern Ireland has seen a rise in the number of measles and pertussis (whooping cough) cases.

It is therefore important to vaccinate your child according to the Northern Ireland childhood immunisation schedule. 

What can happen when a child isn’t immunised

Due to vaccinations in Northern Ireland, many serious childhood infectious diseases have disappeared altogether, like diphtheria, polio or tetanus.

However, whilst the number of people with diseases such as measles and whooping cough have reduced, cases still exist in Northern Ireland due to lower vaccination uptake. 

Domestic and international travel increases the risk of infectious diseases being brought to Northern Ireland, particularly when returning from countries where such diseases are common, or it is harder to receive vaccinations.

It is important that children in Northern Ireland continue to receive these vaccines to avoid these serious infectious diseases.

If your child is not vaccinated, they will be at risk of these infections, their complications and even death.

If you think your child has not received all the vaccines offered for their age group, speak to your GP, health visitor or school nurse.

Vaccines do:

• help to protect you and your child from many serious and potentially deadly diseases
• protect other people in your family and community by helping to stop diseases spreading to people who cannot have vaccines, such as babies too young to be vaccinated and those who are too ill to be vaccinated
• undergo rigorous safety testing before being introduced – they're also constantly monitored for side effects after being introduced
• sometimes cause mild side effects that will not last long – you may feel a bit unwell and have a sore arm for two or three days
• reduce or even get rid of some diseases – if enough people are vaccinated

Vaccines do not:

• overload or weaken the immune system – it's safe to give children and adults several vaccines at a time as this reduces the number of injections needed
• contain mercury (thiomersal)
• contain any ingredients that cause harm – only ingredients essential to making them safer and more effective and only in very small amounts
• cause autism – there is no evidence of a link between the MMR vaccine and autism

Vaccinations available

Six-in-one vaccine

The six-in-one vaccine, also known as DTaP/IPV/Hib/Hep B vaccine, protects babies against six serious illnesses:

• diphtheria
• tetanus
• pertussis (whooping cough)
• polio (inactivated polio vaccine)
• Haemophilus influenzae type b ( Hib)
• hepatitis B

Common side effects of six-in-one vaccine

After vaccination, some babies experience mild side effects including:

• feeling irritable
• a mild fever
• a small lump for a few weeks where they had the injection

If your baby shows any other reaction to the vaccine, tell the doctor, practice nurse or health visitor.

Like all medicines, the six-in-one vaccine can cause side effects, but not all children get them.

Common side effects include:

• swelling or pain where the injection was given
• a high temperature
• feeling tired
• loss of appetite
• being sick or diarrhoea
• irritability

You can give children infant paracetamol to ease any symptoms.

Check the packaging or leaflet to make sure the medicine is suitable for your child, or speak to a pharmacist or doctor if you're not sure.

Speak to your GP urgently or use the Phone First service if your child:

• is under three months old and has a temperature of 38°C or higher, or you think they have a high temperature
• is three to six months old and has a temperature of 39°C or higher, or you think they have a high temperature
• is unwell and you're worried about them

For all emergencies that are life threatening, always call 999 immediately.

If your baby shows any other reaction to the vaccine, tell the doctor, practice nurse or health visitor.

Rotavirus vaccine

The rotavirus vaccine helps protect against rotavirus, a common cause of diarrhoea and vomiting.

It is given as a liquid into their mouth.

Common side effects of the rotavirus vaccine

Like all medicines, the rotavirus vaccine can cause side effects, but not all babies get them.

The most common side effects of the rotavirus vaccine are:

• diarrhoea
• being irritable

Some babies may also have other side effects such as:

• being sick (vomiting)
• a rash
• a high temperature
• loss of appetite

Rare side effects of the rotavirus vaccine

In very rare cases, the vaccine affects a baby’s gut, where the bowel becomes blocked (intussusception).

Your baby might:

• have stomach swelling
• vomit
• pass blood
• show signs of dehydration
• have a temperature

If your baby has this reaction, they may pull their knees up to their chest in pain.

Contact your doctor immediately if your baby has these signs or symptoms.

Meningococcal B vaccine (MenB)

The MenB vaccine helps protect against meningococcal group B bacteria that can cause serious illnesses, including meningitis and sepsis.

The vaccine is given as an injection.

Side effects of the MenB vaccine

Like all medicines, the MenB vaccine can cause side effects, but not all children get them.

Common side effects of the MenB vaccine include:

• swelling or pain where the injection was given
• a high temperature
• feeling tired or irritable
• loss of appetite
• diarrhoea

These side effects usually get better within one or two days.

To prevent your baby having a temperature after their MenB vaccination at eight and 12 weeks, give them infant paracetamol.

Even if your baby shows no signs of fever, give them a dose of paracetamol:

• after being vaccinated
• a second dose four to six hours later
• a third dose four to six hours after that

Make sure to leave at least four hours between each dose and do not give more than four doses in 24 hours.

Speak to your GP urgently or use the Phone First service if your child:

• is under three months old and has a temperature of 38°C or higher, or you think they have a high temperature
• is three to six months old and has a temperature of 39°C or higher, or you think they have a high temperature
• still has a high temperature more than 48 hours after having their MenB vaccination
• is unwell and you're worried about them

For all emergencies that are life threatening, always call 999 immediately.

Pneumococcal vaccine

The pneumococcal vaccine protects against:

• a common cause of meningitis or blood poisoning (septicaemia)
• severe ear infections
• pneumonia caused by very common types of pneumococcal bacteria

Common side effects of the pneumococcal vaccine

Like all medicines, the pneumococcal vaccine can cause side effects, but not everyone gets them.

The most common side effects of the pneumococcal vaccine include:

• swelling or pain where the injection was given
• a high temperature
• feeling tired
• loss of appetite
• babies and children may also feel a bit unwell and irritable

You can give them infant paracetamol or child ibuprofen to ease any symptoms.

For further information on medicines for babies and children and how to use them safely visit:

• Medicines for babies and children

Check the packaging or leaflet to make sure the medicine is suitable for your child, or speak to a pharmacist or doctor if you're not sure.

Speak to your GP urgently or use the Phone First service if your child:

• is three to six months old and has a temperature of 39°C or higher, or you think they have a high temperature
• has a seizure (fit)
• is unwell and you're worried about them

For all emergencies that are life threatening, always call 999 immediately.

Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)

Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) is a bacterium that can cause a number of serious illnesses, including meningitis, septicaemia and pneumonia, particularly in young children.

It is much rarer than it once was, as it is now vaccinated against as part of the childhood immunisation programme in Northern Ireland.

Babies have three separate doses of Hib vaccine as part of the six-in-one vaccine at:

• eight weeks
• 12 weeks
• 16 weeks

A booster dose is required from one year of age to provide longer-term protection. 

The Hib/MenC vaccine protects against Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) and meningococcal group C.

Children who were born on or before 30 June 2024 were offered this booster at 12 months of age, as either the Hib/ MenC vaccine or a fourth dose of the six-in-one vaccine.   

Children who are born on or after 1 July 2024 will be offered this booster at 18 months of age, as a fourth dose of the six-in-one vaccine.

MMRV (measles, mumps, rubella and varicella) vaccine

The MMRV vaccine gives long-term protection against :

• measles
• mumps
• rubella
• varicella (chickenpox)

There were several confirmed cases of measles in Northern Ireland in 2024 and 2025.  It is important to get your vaccines and make sure they are up-to-date.

From 1 January 2026, the measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (MMRV) vaccine will be brought forward to a new appointment at 18 months, which will help protect your child earlier.

Whether your child is affected by the changes will depend on their date of birth.

Side effects of the MMRV vaccine

Like all medicines, the MMRV vaccine can cause side effects, but not everyone will get them.

Common side effects are usually mild and only last two to three days. They include:

• a raised, blotchy rash (similar to a measles rash)
• feeling unwell and a high temperature – this may happen about six to 10 days after the vaccination and is not infectious
• swelling around the face and aching in the joints (similar to mild forms of mumps or rubella) – this may happen about two to three weeks after the vaccination and is not infectious
• a spotty rash in the area where the injection was given (similar to a chickenpox rash) – this may happen about three to four weeks after the vaccination

The spotty rash may contain infectious chickenpox virus and should be covered with clothes. As long as the spots are covered, children can go to nursery as normal.

More serious side effects, such as a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) are rare. The person who vaccinates your child will be trained to deal with allergic reactions and treat them immediately.

Speak to your GP urgently or use the Phone First service if your child:

• has a temperature of 39°C or higher, or you think they have a high temperature
• has a seizure (fit)
• is unwell and you're worried about them

For all emergencies that are life threatening, always call 999 immediately.

Four-in-one preschool booster vaccine

The four-in-one preschool booster vaccine helps protect against serious illnesses, such as polio and tetanus. It is given to children aged three years, four months old  before they start school.

The four-in-one pre-school booster helps protect children against four serious illnesses:

• diphtheria
• tetanus
• pertussis (whooping cough)
• polio (inactivated polio vaccine)

Side effects of the four-in-one pre-school booster

Most of the side effects of the four-in-one pre-school booster are mild and usually get better within a few days.

They can include:

• swelling or pain where the injection was given
• feeling tired or irritable
• a high temperature
• a headache

A hard lump may appear where the vaccine was given, but this will usually go after a few weeks.

More serious side effects such as a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) are very rare. The person who vaccinates your child will be trained to deal with allergic reactions and treat them immediately.

Speak to your GP urgently or use the Phone First service if your child:

• has a temperature of 39°C or higher, or you think they have a high temperature
• has a seizure (fit)
• is unwell and you're worried about them

For all emergencies that are life threatening, always call 999 immediately.

Flu

The flu vaccine helps protect children against influenza.

Further information on the flu vaccine and who is eligible for the vaccine is available at:

• Flu vaccine for children

Side effects of the children's flu vaccine

The most common side effects of the children's flu vaccine are mild and get better in one to two days.

Side effects of the nasal spray flu vaccine can include:

• a blocked or runny nose
• loss of appetite
• feeling tired
• a headache

Side effects of the flu vaccine injection can include:

• pain or soreness where the injection was given
• a slightly raised temperature
• an aching body

More serious side effects such as a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) are very rare. The person who vaccinates your child will be trained to deal with allergic reactions and treat them immediately.

You cannot get flu from any of the flu vaccines.

Speak to your GP urgently or use the Phone First service if your child:

• has a temperature of 39°C or higher, or you think they have a high temperature
• has a seizure (fit)
• is unwell and you're worried about them

For all emergencies that are life threatening, always call 999 immediately.

HPV vaccine

The HPV vaccine helps protect against human papillomavirus (HPV).

It's offered to children aged 12 to 13 years old to help protect them against HPV-related cancers.

It is linked to cervical, anal, penile, vulval, vaginal and some types of head and neck cancer.

Side effects of the HPV vaccine

The most common side effects of the HPV vaccine are mild and do not last long.

They can include:

• swelling or pain where the injection was given
• a headache
• a high temperature
• dizziness
• feeling sick
• tiredness

More serious side effects such as a severe allergic reaction are very rare. The person who vaccinates you will be trained to deal with allergic reactions and treat them immediately.

These can be treated with paracetamol or ibuprofen.

Rarely, some people have a reaction soon after the injection, like a rash. The nurse will know how to treat this.

It is not a reason not to have more injections for HPV or other diseases.

As with all vaccines, reports of side effects are closely monitored and reviewed.

For more information see:

• Immunisations for teenagers between 14 and 18 years old
• HPV vaccine for adolescents aged 12 to 13 years old

Three-in-one teenage booster (tetanus, diptheria and polio)

The Td/ IPV vaccine (also called the three-in-one teenage booster) is offered to 14 to 18 year olds and helps protect against:

• tetanus
• diphtheria
• polio

It boosts the protection provided by the six-in-one vaccine and four-in-one pre-school booster vaccine. 

Side effects of the Td/ IPV vaccine

On your arm where you get the injection, you might have:

• swelling and redness
• a small, painless lump that usually disappears in a few weeks

On rare occasions, people may experience more serious side effects including:

• fever
• headache
• dizziness
• feeling sick
• swollen glands

MenACWY vaccine

Meningococcal disease is caused by meningococcal bacteria. 

There is a vaccination programme to protect older teenagers and young adults against meningococcal infection.

For more information see:

• MenACWY vaccination for teenagers and students

Side effects of the Men ACWY vaccine

Most side effects are mild and may include:

• a reaction at the injection site including pain/ swelling
• headache
• nausea
• a rash
• feeling drowsy
• feeling irritable
• loss of appetite

More serious side effects including severe allergic reactions are extremely rare.

Vaccines for children at higher risk

BCG

Some babies in high-risk groups get a BCG vaccine for protection against tuberculosis (TB) when they are born.

Hepatitis B

Higher risk infants might also get extra vaccinations against hepatitis B.

Respiratory Syncytical Virus (RSV) 

Very premature babies and high-risk infants (such as those with complex heart, lung or weakened immune system conditions) can get an extra long-lasting single injection (nirsevimab) to protect against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) during winter months. 

RSV is a common cause of a type of chest infection (bronchiolitis) which can cause breathing problems and may need to be treated in hospital. 

It can also cause serious lung infections (pneumonia). 

This drug works differently to the RSV vaccine offered to pregnant women. Babies born before 32 weeks have limited or no protection from vaccinations given to pregnant women at the recommended time of around 28 weeks. 

It will usually be offered before your baby is discharged from hospital, or at children’s clinics.

Flu vaccine

Infants and children aged six months to under two years of age who are in a clinical risk group are eligible for a flu vaccine each autumn to protect them against serious respiratory illness and hospitalisation.

COVID-19 vaccine

Infants and children aged six months and over with a weakened immune system are eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine to protect them against serious illness and hospitalisation arising from COVID-19.

Your child’s specialist, doctor or health visitor will give you more information if your child needs protection.

For further information on the COVID-19 vaccine for children, visit:

• COVID-19 vaccine

How vaccines are given

Most vaccines are given to your baby or child as an injection.

They get each rotavirus vaccine by the mouth.

Most children will get the flu vaccine by nose unless it is not safe to. 

For more information on the importance of vaccines see:

• Vaccines