PHA childhood immunisation and vaccination page
Find detailed information about the childhood vaccination programme in Northern Ireland here.
Childhood vaccinations
Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to protect children against serious infectious diseases. The routine childhood immunisation programme offers free vaccinations at key ages to provide protection during early childhood.
Vaccinations help protect children from serious infectious diseases by teaching the body how to fight infection safely. They protect your child from illnesses such as measles, meningitis and whooping cough, while also reducing the spread of infection to others and lowering the risk of serious complications or hospitalisation.
Many diseases that were once common are now rare in Northern Ireland because of vaccination. However, they can return if fewer people are vaccinated.
Find out more about childhood vaccinations
Children are offered vaccinations at different stages as part of the routine childhood immunisation programme in Northern Ireland.
| Age | Vaccines |
|---|---|
| 8 weeks | 6-in-1 vaccine (1st dose), Rotavirus (1st dose), MenB (1st dose) |
| 12 weeks | 6-in-1 vaccine (2nd dose), Rotavirus (2nd dose), MenB (2nd dose) |
| 16 weeks | 6-in-1 vaccine (3rd dose), Pneumococcal (PCV) (1st dose) |
| 12 months (1 year) | MMRV (1st dose), Pneumococcal (PCV) (2nd dose), MenB (3rd dose) |
| 18 months* | MMRV (2nd dose), 6-in-1 vaccine (4th dose) |
| 3 years 4 months | Pre-school booster (4-in-1 vaccine) and MMRV vaccine where eligible according to date of birth |
| 2 years to Year 12 | Annual flu vaccine |
*The 18-month appointment applies to children born on or after 1 July 2024
Completing the full programme helps protect:
- Your child
- Other children and families
- The wider community
For more detailed information about the childhood vaccination programme, including timing and consent access two key resources:
Childhood vaccination schedule in Northern Ireland
Find practical information about when your child will be offered vaccination and how vaccinations are provided in Northern Ireland.
Last modified
05 October 2026