Immunisation is one of the best ways to protect your preschool child from serious illnesses such as measles, rubella, tetanus and meningitis. Routine vaccinations start at 2 months of age and continue until 14 years, helping to keep your child safe from diseases that can cause serious harm.
You can find a full list of NHS vaccinations and the illnesses they protect against at NHS.UK.
Preschool vaccination appointments
From 1 January 2026, children born between 1 September 2022 and 30 June 2024 will be offered a combined MMRV vaccine at 3 years and 4 months.
The MMRV vaccine protects against measles, mumps, rubella (German measles) and varicella (chickenpox). It is safe and effective. These illnesses can cause serious problems, including meningitis, hearing loss, and complications during pregnancy. Chickenpox is usually mild, but it can sometimes lead to serious complications such as chest infections, fits, or inflammation of the brain. The chickenpox vaccine has been used routinely in other countries for many years.
At the same appointment, your child will also be offered the four‑in‑one vaccine, which protects against diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough (pertussis) and polio.
Different birth dates
- Children born between 1 July and 31 December 2024 will be vaccinated under the new schedule. They will be offered their second MMRV dose if needed, and the four‑in‑one vaccine.
- Children born on or after 1 January 2025 will usually only need the four‑in‑one vaccine, as they should already have had two MMRV doses. This appointment can also be used to catch up on any missed vaccinations.
- Children born between 1 January 2020 and 31 August 2022 may be eligible for a selective MMRV catch‑up programme starting in November 2026, if they have not had chickenpox or two doses of the chickenpox vaccine.
Visit vaccination tips for parents to find things you can do on the day to help your preschooler’s appointment go smoothly. Remember to bring your baby's personal child health record (PCHR) or 'red book' so your child's immunisations can be recorded.
Nasal flu vaccination
All two and three-year-olds are offered a free flu vaccination either at your GP surgery or you can now book at a local immunisation community clinic. This is given as a painless, nasal spray.
Children can catch and spread flu easily and it can be a very unpleasant illness for them possibly leading to serious problems including bronchitis and pneumonia.
Vaccinating them also protects others who are vulnerable to flu, such as babies and older people.
Page last reviewed: 22/01/2026, next review due: 22/01/2029