By Dr Mitsu Shah, Paediatric GP at Kidswell Health
From 1st July 2025, the NHS routine childhood vaccination schedule is getting an important update. These changes are based on the latest scientific evidence to provide better protection against serious diseases earlier in life.
If you’re a new or expecting parent, here’s everything you need to know about the updated baby immunisation schedule – including what’s changing, why it’s changing, and what to expect at each appointment.
The updated baby vaccination schedule will affect appointments at:
The aim of these changes is to offer earlier protection against serious diseases, particularly meningitis B, while also streamlining the vaccine schedule to make it easier for parents and healthcare professionals to follow. These updates also bring the UK’s schedule more in line with global immunisation programmes.
In the sections below, we’ll walk you through each stage of the revised schedule and explain what it means for your baby or toddler.
Your baby’s 8 week vaccinations will stay the same and include:
This remains a vital first step in protecting your baby from serious illnesses.
From 1st July 2025, babies will now receive:
Previously, the pneumococcal vaccine (PCV13) was given at this stage. It’s now moving to the 16-week appointment.
Why the change?
Meningitis B cases are increasingly affecting babies aged 1-3 months. Giving the second MenB dose earlier helps boost protection during this vulnerable window.
What your baby receives at 16 weeks depends on their date of birth and which vaccination schedule they’ve started:
Babies born before 1st July 2025 (on the old schedule) will get:
Babies born on or after 1st July 2025 (on the new schedule) will get:
This transition period will last for a few months until all babies are on the updated routine.
From July 2025, babies born on or after 1st July 2024 will receive:
The Hib/MenC combination vaccine has been discontinued due to successful disease control and manufacturing changes.
What about hepatitis B?
For most babies, the hepatitis B booster is now delayed to 18 months.
Note: Babies born before 1st July 2024 may still receive Hib/MenC or an extra Hexavalent dose, depending on vaccine availability.
From 1st January 2026, all children born on or after 1st July 2024 will be invited for a new 18-month vaccination visit. This will include:
Why is this important?
Babies born to mothers with hepatitis B will continue to follow the selective neonatal immunisation schedule at birth, 4, 8, 12, and 16 weeks.
From July 2025, the 12-month hepatitis B-only booster will no longer be needed.
Instead, the final booster will be given at 18 months as part of the Hexavalent.
There are no changes yet for the preschool boosters. Children will still receive:
However, from late 2027, this appointment is likely to change once the 18-month MMR dose becomes standard.
These updates are designed to:
Ultimately, it’s about giving your child the best possible protection at the right time.
At Kidswell Health, we understand that these updates to the childhood vaccination schedule may feel confusing and overwhelming, especially for first-time parents.
As your paediatric GP team, we’re here to help you navigate the changes and ensure your baby stays on track with their immunisations.
Read our blog on how to prepare for your baby’s first vaccination here.
Read our blog on the side effects of baby vaccinations here.
If you have any questions about the new vaccine schedule or need to catch up on missed doses, please get in touch. Our expert paediatric GPs and nurses are always happy to help.
Useful links for parents:
UK Government: Complete Immunisation Schedule
NHS Vaccination Schedule
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