Childhood immunisation

Immunisation is the most effective method of preventing certain diseases to protect and maintain the health of the local population.

Barnet public health team is working closely with Public Health England, NHS England and other key partners to increase immunisation rates across the borough

Routine vaccines are offered free on the NHS according to an immunisation schedule. If a child has missed a vaccine, make sure to contact your GP or practice nurse

For more information on vaccinations take a look at Public Health England's immunisation guidance and leaflets for parents

The COVID vaccine for children and young people

Vaccinating children can reduce the risk of COVID-19 infection to your child and those around them.

Currently (summer 2022) everyone aged 5 and over can get a 1st and 2nd dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. People aged 16 and over, and some children aged 12 to 15, can also get a booster dose. People aged 12 and over who had a severely weakened immune system when they had their first 2 doses, will be offered a 3rd dose and a booster (4th dose). General information about the COVID-19 vaccine programme and specific information about the vaccine in those aged 5-15 can be found on the NHS website - COVID-19 vaccine.

Flu vaccine for your child

Talk to the GP, practice nurse or your child's school nurse if you want more information about when and how your child can be vaccinated against flu.

Nasal spray vaccine

The vaccine is given as a single spray squirted up each nostril. Not only is it needle-free – a big advantage for children – the nasal spray is quick, painless, and works even better than the injected flu vaccine. The vaccine is absorbed very quickly. It will still work even if, after the vaccination, your child develops a runny nose, sneezes or blows their nose

In the Autumn/Winter of 2022-2023, the flu vaccine will be available free on the NHS for eligible children, including:

• all children aged 2 or 3 years on 31 August 2022
• all primary school aged children (from reception to Year 6)
• children aged over 6 months in clinical risk groups

The MMR vaccine

• The MMR vaccine provides protection against measles, mumps and rubella over two doses of single injections.
• Measles, mumps and rubella are highly infectious conditions that can have serious and potentially fatal complications.
• National data indicates that rates of MMR vaccination in children in Barnet are lower than national targets.
• Different countries offer different immunisations and not all use the combined MMR vaccine. If you were born or brought up abroad you may have had only one dose or may not have had the recommended vaccine. Discuss this with your GP to ensure that you and your child are protected against all three conditions.

For more information about measles, take a look at Measles Factsheet (PDF 240 KB).