Babies up to 13 months

Information on vaccines for babies up to 13 months of age to help protect against tetanus, mumps, measles, whooping cough and other diseases.

Immunisation is the safest and most effective way of protecting your baby against serious diseases.

By having your baby immunised at the recommended times, you are protecting them through early childhood against diseases such as diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough (pertussis), polio, measles, mumps and rubella.

Immunisations at 2 months:

DTaP/IPV/Hib vaccine
Protects against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), polio and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib).

Pneumococcal vaccine (PCV)
Protects against one of the most common causes of meningitis.

Immunisations at 3 months:

DTaP/IPV/Hib vaccine
Protects against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), polio and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib).

MenC vaccine
Protects against meningitis and septicaemia.

Immunisations at 4 months:

Immunisations between 12 and 13 months - within a month of the first birthday:

Hib/MenC vaccine
Protects against Hib and meningitis C infections.

MMR vaccine
Protects against measles, mumps and rubella.

Pneumococcal vaccine (PCV)
Protects against one of the most common causes of meningitis.

What are the changes to the 12 and 13 month immunisation programme?

The programme has been simplified for babies, with three vaccines being given at one visit between 12 and 13 months - within a month of the first birthday. These vaccines are:

Hib/MenC vaccine - Protects against Haemophilus influenzae b and meningococcal C infections, which can cause meningitis and blood poisoning (septicaemia).
MMR vaccine - Protects against measles, mumps and rubella.
Pneumococcal vaccine (PCV) -Protects pneumococcal infections, which can cause meningitis, ear infections, pneumonia and other serious diseases.

Why has the 12 and 13 month immunisation been changed?

Immunisation programmes are regularly reviewed by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) to make sure that all children are offered the best protection against preventable diseases. As new vaccines become available, or research shows that giving existing vaccines at different times improves protection, the programme will be improved.

The JCVI was of the view that in order to simplify the schedule and reduce the number of visits parents had to make, the schedule should be changed to ensure all GP practices offered the three vaccines in one visit. The change is intended to provide earlier protection and less distress to the child than multiple appointments.

Is it safe for the three vaccines to be given at the same visit?

The JCVI considered all the evidence very thoroughly, which showed the three vaccines can be safely given at the same time. As with all vaccines, possible side effects can include redness, swelling or tenderness where they had the injection.

If you are concerned about any reaction your baby has had to a vaccine, talk to your doctor, practice nurse or health visitor. Parents and carers can also report suspected side effects of vaccines and medicines through the Yellow Card Scheme. This can be done online by visiting www.yellowcard.gov.uk or by calling the free Yellow Card hotline on 0808 100 3352 (available Monday to Friday – 10 am to 2 pm).

Non-routine immunisations:

BCG vaccine
Usually offered to babies who are more likely to come into contact with someone with tuberculosis (TB).

Hepatitis B vaccine (external link)
Offered to any baby whose mother or close family has been infected with hepatitis B.

More information:

A guide to childhood immunisations for babies up to 13 months of age
Information for parents on all the routine immunisations given to babies and young children to protect them from serious childhood diseases.

A guide to immunisations at 12 and 13 months
Information for parents of babies aged 12 and 13 months on all the routine immunisations offered at this age. This leaflet also includes information on the signs and symptoms of meningitis.

For advice and information on any health topic, you can call the NHS Helpline on 0800 22 44 88 (8am–10pm, 7 days).

Last reviewed on 21 January 2011