Childhood Vaccinations

Childhood Vaccinations – What Every Parent Needs to Know

At GP Sheffield Medical Practice we’re committed to helping protect your child from serious illness through the national childhood vaccination programme. This page gives you the latest schedule, explains why vaccinations matter, and tells you how to book your child’s appointment.

Why childhood vaccinations are so important

Vaccines protect children against infections that can be dangerous or even life-threatening. By vaccinating your child, you’re not only helping protect them, but you’re also helping protect other children and people in our community who cannot be vaccinated.
Here in Sheffield, we’ve seen more children getting illnesses that could have been prevented through vaccination — so it’s more important than ever to stay up to date.

What’s changing in the routine vaccination schedule?

The national schedule in England has been updated from 1 July 2025 for children born on or after 1 July 2024. Key changes include:

• The second dose of the MenB (Meningococcal B) vaccine will move from 16 weeks to 12 weeks of age.
• The PCV13 (pneumococcal conjugate vaccine) first dose is now given at 16 weeks instead of 12 weeks.
• The combined Hib/MenC (Haemophilus influenzae b / Meningococcal C) vaccine will no longer be routinely offered at 12 months for children born on or after 1 July 2024.
• A new appointment at 18 months of age will be introduced (for children born on or after 1 July 2024) which will include a booster and second MMR dose.

Note: If your child was born before 1 July 2024, they will follow the previous schedule. It’s important to check with us if you’re unsure.

Routine Vaccination Schedule (for children born on or after 1 July 2024)

Below is a simplified version of the schedule. Your child will receive individual invitations when their appointments are due. The full official schedule is available from the NHS.

Age

Vaccinations due

8 weeks

6-in-1 vaccine (DTaP/IPV/Hib/HepB), MenB vaccine, Rotavirus vaccine

12 weeks

6-in-1 (second dose), MenB (second dose), Rotavirus (second dose)

16 weeks

6-in-1 (third dose), PCV13 (first dose)

~1 year

PCV13 (second dose), MMR (first dose), MenB (third dose)

18 months

Booster of 6-in-1 (DTaP/IPV/Hib/HepB), MMR (second dose)

3 years 4 months

Check that second MMR has been given, and diphtheria/tetanus/pertussis/polio booster

12-13 years

HPV vaccine (girls & boys)

14 years

Tetanus/diphtheria/polio booster, MenACWY vaccine

(This table is a summary – please follow the invitation you receive and speak to our staff if you have any doubts.)

How to book your child’s vaccination

• We will send your child an invitation letter when they are due for each vaccination appointment.
• If you haven’t received an invitation, or if you prefer to schedule it, please contact our reception on 0114 2584724.
• Appointments can be booked at our practice during designated vaccination clinics; if you cannot attend the offered slot, please ask for an alternative.
• If your child has missed a dose or is behind schedule, please still bring them in — our team will ensure they are caught up as safely and as quickly as possible.

What if I have concerns or questions?

We understand that some parents may have questions about vaccinations. Here’s how we address them:

• Our clinical team is happy to discuss any concerns you might have about safety, side-effects or the benefits of vaccination.
• If your child has special health needs (for example they were born premature, or have a weakened immune system) the nurse or GP will tailor advice and may make a personalised plan.
• For more information, you can also view the official government guidance at:
  • “Changes to the routine childhood vaccination schedule from 1 July 2025” (GOV.UK)
  • “Routine childhood immunisations from 1 July 2025” (GOV.UK)

Why it matters now in Sheffield

In our local area we’ve seen a lower than desired uptake of childhood vaccinations, which puts children at risk of preventable diseases. By making sure your child is fully vaccinated, you’re helping protect the whole community and ensuring our practice meets the target of recent health-checks by the Integrated Care Board.
As part of our annual action plan we are committed to:

• Ensuring this webpage is kept up to date with the latest schedule (July 2025 changes and beyond)
• Sending reminder letters to parents/guardians of children who are behind with their vaccinations
• Monitoring the number of children who are fully up to date by age 5 and implementing catch-up clinics where needed