Private childhood vaccinations in London

Modern vaccines have dramatically reduced or eliminated major diseases across the globe. In the UK, diseases such as smallpox, polio and tetanus have either disappeared or are extremely rare, due to the widespread use of vaccines. Immunisation programmes have also dramatically reduced mortality rates for diphtheria, hepatitis B, measles and pneumococcal disease.

In the UK, vaccines are also rigorously tested for safety and effectiveness, and monitored continuously. You can find out more here. 

In order to successfully prevent infectious diseases, vaccines have to be given according to a precise vaccination schedule. Whichever schedule you decide to follow (for example, British, American or French), it is important to stick to it. 

At the very least, we recommend that infants should be vaccinated at 2 months against diphtheria, tetanus, polio, whooping cough, Hib and pneumococcus.

Below is the recommended childhood vaccine schedule.

• Whooping cough vaccine: We recommend that pregnant women receive this vaccination at the beginning of their second trimester. We also recommend vaccinating any other adults who will be in close contact with the newborn baby, to protect the child until they can be vaccinated.
• Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine: We recommend this at 12 months with a booster when your child is two (French schedule) or four (British schedule).
• Meningitis C vaccine: Those who have received a first dose before the age of 5 should receive a booster between the ages of 11 and 24. Apart from childhood, meningococcal C infections occur most frequently during adolescence so optimal protection is desirable at that time.
• Meningitis B vaccine: 70% of Meningococcal meningitis is due to meningococcus B. There are two peaks of incidence: before 1 year and in adolescence. Two doses are recommended at 3 and 5 months with a booster in the second year.
• Influenza (flu) vaccine: This is generally recommended for infants with asthma or at risk of developing complications of influenza, as well as in pregnant women. The vaccine is generally effective 2 weeks after the injection and for about 6 months. It is possible to vaccinate infants from 6 months. Between 6 and 36 months, half of the adult dose is given. The flu vaccine also comes as a nasal spray instead of an injection.
• Hepatitis A vaccine: Vaccination is possible from the age of 1 year: 2 doses at least 6 months apart give prolonged immunity and no booster is needed. Children over 1 year of age not yet vaccinated against hepatitis B can receive a combined vaccine for hepatitis A and B.

The above vaccinations do not include any travel vaccinations (hepatitis A, yellow fever, tick-borne encephalitis, typhoid, Japanese encephalitis, rabies, etc).