Vaccinations for school-age children

Immunisation protects children from illnesses that can be very harmful, like measles, polio and meningitis.

Getting your child vaccinated protects them, and also protects other people including, parents, friends and older relatives, who may be at high risk.

Vaccines offered to school-aged children

Children will be offered four vaccinations during their school years. You can read about these below or watch this animation.

A handy guide to the vaccine timeline for school children is below:

MMR vaccine for school-aged children

The MMR vaccine is usually given to babies and young children, but it can be given at any age. It protects against measles, mumps and rubella (German measles).

These three infections spread easily and can lead to serious problems including meningitis, blindness and hearing loss. Measles cases have been rising in the UK, including in the Midlands, and around the world.

If your school-aged child has not had the MMR vaccine, or has only had one dose, speak to your GP surgery about getting them fully vaccinated.

Young people about to start college or university should have the MMR vaccine if they have not been vaccinated already.

Watch this animation, based on a true story from Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent.

In the UK we have two types of MMR vaccine – one does not contain any pork ingredients. Both are equally safe and effective. You can ask for the vaccine with no pork products from your GP, for you or your children. Some GP practices might need to order this vaccine specially, so please let them know when you book if you would like this.