Childhood Immunisations
Childhood Immunisations – In Ireland, all the recommended childhood immunisations listed in the timetable are free of charge and are carried out by the Practice Nurse.
| Age to Vaccinate | Type of Vaccination |
| At Birth | BCG/Tuberculosis Vaccine (given in maternity hospitals or HSE clinic)
The HSE continues to experience ongoing delays with the supply of BCG vaccine. |
| At 2 Months | 6 in 1 Vaccine (Diphtheria Tetanus Whooping Cough (Pertussis) Hib (Haemophilus influenzae b) Polio (Inactivated poliomyelitis) Hepatitis B)
PCV (Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine) MenB Vaccine (Meningococcal B Vaccine) Rotavirus oral vaccine |
| At 4 Months | 6 in 1 Vaccine (Diphtheria Tetanus Whooping Cough (Pertussis) Hib (Haemophilus influenzae typeb) Polio (Inactivated poliomyelitis) Hepatitis B)
MenB Vaccine (Meningococcal B Vaccine) Rotavirus oral vaccine |
| At 6 Months | 6 in 1 Vaccine (Diphtheria Tetanus Whooping Cough (Pertussis) Hib (Haemophilus influenzae b) Polio (Inactivated poliomyelitis) Hepatitis B)
PCV (Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine) MenC Vaccine (Meningococcal C Vaccine) |
| At 12 Months | MMR (Measles Mumps Rubella)
MenB Vaccine (Meningococcal B Vaccine) |
| At 13 Months | Hib/MenC (Haemophilus influenzae b and Meningococcal C combined vaccine)
PCV (Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine) |
Will immunisations still work if my child doesn’t get them at the right time?
Yes. Most of these vaccines can be given at any age, and a child who misses one injection in a course of injections does not have to start again. The vaccines already given will still work and your child will still develop protection. However older children may not need all the vaccine doses or may need different vaccines. Just ask your GP.
Has the vaccine schedule changed?
Yes. The meningococcal B vaccine and rotavirus oral vaccine have now been added to the schedule.
The vaccines schedules have changed many times as new vaccines were added.
What’s new about MenB vaccine?
When babies are given MenB vaccine with the other childhood vaccines they are more at risk of developing a fever. We recommend giving all children 3 doses of liquid infant paracetamol after their 2 and 4 month vaccines to reduce the risk of fever.
This is why you will need to book your immunisation appointment early in the day.
Paracetamol is not needed when MenB vaccine is given at 12 months as the risk of fever is less.
What’s new about rotavirus oral vaccine?
The rotavirus oral vaccine is given as a liquid dropped into the mouth of a child.
Rotavirus vaccine cannot be given on or after 8 months and 0 days of age as the risk of a blocked gut is greater in older children.
- If you have any further questions, please arrange an appointment with your GP.