Child Immunisation Programmes
North
Under the Childhood Immunisation Programme in Northern Ireland, a baby usually has its first vaccination at 8 weeks old. This will be given at a GP surgery.
It takes a number of injections to fully protect the child so it is important to complete the course. If vaccinations have been missed the child can still catch up, even after a long gap. They do not have to start the course again. The nidirect website contains the UK’s immunisation schedule.
Before your child starts school, they usually get their vaccinations at your doctor’s surgery or local health clinic. The Child Health system or the doctor’s surgery usually sends you the invitation to make a vaccination appointment.
Your child can get some vaccinations in school. The school will contact you before they give your child a vaccine. If you have any questions, ask your health visitor, doctor, school nurse or a practice nurse in the doctor’s surgery. Source: nidirect.
See also:
South
In Ireland, all the recommended childhood immunisations are available free of charge*.
The Immunisation Office provides a full immunisation schedule and information for:
Source: HSE National Immunisation Office website.
*Please note, all the recommended childhood or adolescent vaccines when administered in the schools immunisation programme are free. If parents or guardians request their GP give the school immunisation programme vaccines to their children, the vaccines are not free. Source: HSE.ie.
If you have any worries or questions about your child’s immunisations, ask the doctor or nurse before your child is immunised. You can also ask for further information from your Public Health Nurse at your local HSE clinic.
If you’re aged between 16 and 18 and no longer at school, you should ask your GP about getting the vaccines.
See also:
Cross border
Based on our research it appears to be the case that children resident in one jurisdiction and attending school in another can access the school immunisation programme in the school they attend. This is because the programmes are based on the school you attend, not your home address. This should mean that a child resident in ROI and attending school in NI should be able to access their full list of vaccines offered by the NI school, and vice versa. We do recommend checking this with your school.
Page last updated November 2022
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