Who is this page for?
This page is for parents and carers looking for information about vaccinations that may be offered to babies at or soon after birth in Northern Ireland.
Vaccinations for newborn babies
Most babies will start their routine childhood vaccinations from 8 weeks old.
Some babies may need additional protection from birth or during the first few weeks of life because they have a higher risk of particular infections.
These include vaccination against:
- hepatitis B
- tuberculosis (TB)
Hepatitis B
Babies born to mothers who have hepatitis B are offered additional hepatitis B vaccination to reduce the risk of the infection passing from mother to baby.
The first dose is given at birth, with further vaccinations and follow-up arranged as part of your baby's care.
Your maternity or healthcare team will explain what your baby needs and when.
Find out more at:
Hepatitis B - factsheet for patients (English and translations) | HSC Public Health Agency
BCG vaccination for tuberculosis (TB)
The BCG vaccine helps protect against tuberculosis (TB).
It is not routinely offered to every baby. It is offered to babies who have a higher risk of coming into contact with TB, including some babies with a parent or grandparent who was born in a country with a high rate of TB.
Eligible babies are usually offered BCG vaccination at around 28 days old.
- BCG vaccination for babies | nidirect
- BCG and your baby Protecting babies against TB | HSC Public Health Agency
- Group B streptococcus (GBS) infection in newborn babies | HSC Public Health Agency
Routine vaccinations from 8 weeks
Routine childhood vaccinations start from 8 weeks old and protect your baby against a range of serious infectious diseases.
Your baby will be offered vaccinations at different ages as they grow.
If your baby was born prematurely
Premature babies can be particularly vulnerable to infection. They should normally receive their routine vaccinations according to their actual age rather than their corrected age.
PHA provides specific information for parents and carers of premature babies.
How the Public Health Agency (PHA) helps?
The Public Health Agency supports vaccination programmes across Northern Ireland, monitors vaccine uptake and provides trusted information and resources for parents, carers and healthcare professionals.