Immunisations for children and young people
Information
Children and young people are entitled to certain immunisation services free of charge. These are provided in GP surgeries, in hospitals, in health clinics or in school (depending on the circumstances).
Immunisation is a safe and effective way to help the body prevent or fight off certain diseases. Immunisation is provided through vaccinations. Under the Childhood Immunisation Programme all vaccines and their administration are provided free of charge for all children.
Parents must consent to vaccinations for children and young people up to the age of 16. Vaccination is not compulsory, but is strongly advised by the Department of Health. You should discuss any concerns you may have with your GP/family doctor before making a decision about your child's immunisation.Rules
Childhood immunisation schedule
| Age | Where | Vaccine |
| Birth | Hospital or HSE clinic | BCG vaccination (a vaccine to protect against tuberculosis) |
| 2 months | GP | 6 in 1 (diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough (pertussis), polio, Hib (Haemophilus Influenzae Type B) and Hepatitis B is provided in one single injection) plus vaccine against Pneumococcal Disease in a separate injection. |
| 4 months | GP | 6 in 1 (diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough (pertussis), polio, Hib (Haemophilus Influenzae Type B) and Hepatitis B is provided in one single injection) plus vaccine against Meningococcal C in a separate injection. |
| 6 months | GP | 6 in 1 (diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough (pertussis), polio, Hib (Haemophilus Influenzae Type B) and Hepatitis B is provided in one single injection) plus vaccines against Meningococcal C and Pneumococcal Disease (3 injections). |
| 12 months | GP | MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine, plus vaccine against Pneumococcal Disease. |
| 13 months | GP | Vaccine against Meningococcal C and Hib (Haemophilus Influenzae Type B). |
| 4-5 years | GP or school | 4 in 1 (diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough (pertussis) and polio), plus MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine. |
| 11-14 years
Girls in 1st year in second- level schools |
School
School |
Td (tetanus and low-dose diphtheria).
HPV (Human Papillomavirus vaccine) (3 doses) |
School immunisation schedule
At 4-5 years: The 4 in 1 vaccine (diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough (pertussis) and polio), plus MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) is administered.
At 11-14 years: The Td (tetanus and low-dose diphtheria) vaccine is administered.
Girls in first year in second-level schools: The HPV (Human Papillomavirus Virus) is administered. This programme started in September 2010.Rates
These vaccinations are free of charge.
How to apply
Information about all immunisations is available from your GP, public health nurse or Local Health Office. The HSE's National Immunisation Website and the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC), have produced useful factsheets on immunisations for parents, in a number of languages.
Where to apply
Childhood immunisation services are usually offered to parents in the hospital where the baby was born and by contact from the HSE, through GPs and through the schools immunisation programme.
You can also contact your Local Health Office or your GP directly.
Related Documents
- Medical services and entitlements for asylum seekers
Medical services and entitlements available to asylum seekers. - Developments in cancer prevention and early detection services
These include the introduction of HPV vaccination for first-year secondary schoolgirls and the introduction of colorectal cancer screening. - Early childhood education
Information on childhood education, including the role of the Department of Education and Skills.
Contact Us
If you have a question relating to this topic you can contact the Citizens Information Phone Service on 0761 07 4000 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 9pm) or you can visit your local Citizens Information Centre.