Paediatric Immunisation Schedule

Stations about childhood immunisation schedules test two aspects: your ability to communicate with parents, and your knowledge of the schedule and any questions the parents may have about the immunisations.

Subject steps

  1. Begin by introducing yourself to the parent(s) and/or the child id they are present. Make sure that they are comfortable and also that the room is set up suitably for the consultation.

  2. You should inform them that you have been asked to speak to them about immunisations and explain that you will take them through the schedule step by step. Ideally you should answer any questions they may have after you have been through the list of immunisations.

  3. The current timetable for immunisations in the UK is shown in the table below:

    Age at Immunisation Immunisations Given
    2 Months Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, Polio & Haemophilus Influenzae B (HIB) - all as one injection.
    Pneumococcal vaccine as a separate injection.
    3 Months Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, Polio & Haemophilus Influenzae B (HIB) - all as one injection.
    Meningitis C as a separate injection.
    4 Months Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, Polio & Haemophilus Influenzae B (HIB) - all as one injection.
    Meningitis C and pneumococcal vaccinations as separate injections.
    Between 12 Months & 13 Months (within 1 month of child's 1st birthday) Haemophilus Influenzae B (HIB) and a Meningitis C boosteras one injection.Measles, Mumps & Rubella (MMR) as one injection and a pneumococcal booster injection.
    Between 3 Years 4 Months & 5 Years Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis & Polio - all as one injection.
    MMR - as one injection.
    Between 12 years & 13 years (females only) Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination
    Between 13 Years & 18 Years Diphtheria, Tetanus & Polio - all as one injection.

  4. There are non-routine vaccinations which may be given at birth. If the baby is felt to be more at risk to exposure to tuberculosis than the general population they may be given the BCG vaccination. If the child's mother is Hepatitis B positive then the Hepatitis B vaccination is given.

  5. It is paramount that you know this schedule. However, you are likely to be asked questions about the various immunisations. Therefore, you should be certain to know about them all, including whether they are live or not, any likely side effects, and any contra-indications.

  6. At the end of the consultation ensure that the parent understands everything you have told them and that they have no remaining questions.

  7. Please note that the above immunisation schedule is only relevant in the United Kingdom (UK). There will be variation between different countries and so you must check your local policies.