Routine baby and childhood immunisations

You should visit your GP surgery for baby and childhood immunisations. These visits will be free of charge.

This also applies to the six-week developmental check for babies.

Baby six-week developmental check

Immunisation timetable

The table below shows the age at which babies / children are offered various immunisations.

When to immunise	Diseases being protected against	How vaccine is given
2 months (1st primary)	Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), polio, Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib)  Pneumococcal infection	1 injection 1 injection
3 months (2nd primary)	Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), polio, Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib) Meningitis C	1 injection 1 injection
4 months (3rd primary)	Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), polio, Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib)  Pneumococcal infection Meningitis C	1 injection 1 injection 1 injection
Between 12 months and 13 months of age (must not be given earlier than 1 year of age)	Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib) and Meningitis C booster  Pneumococcal infection Measles, mumps, rubella	1 booster injection  1 booster injection  1 injection (1st MMR dose)
3 years 4 months or soon after (pre-school booster)	Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis ( whooping cough), polio* Measles, mumps, rubella	1 booster injection 1 injection (2nd MMR dose)
12-13 years (girls only)	Cervical cancer caused by human papillomavirus (HPV)	3 separate injections given over a 6 month period
Around 14 years	Tetanus, diphtheria, polio	1 booster injection

*If a child missed out on having a booster dose of Hib vaccine around 12 months of age and has not had one since, the immuniser will ensure Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib) is included within the pre-school booster injection.

If you have questions regarding childhood immunisation, please talk to your health visitor or general practitioner (GP). Alternatively you can contact the Immunisation Nurse Specialist.

Detailed information about childhood immunisation is available on the NHS website and the Parents First for Health website. Links to information about individual vaccines and illnesses are also available below.

Vaccinations overview on NHS website
Meningitis and septicaemia on Meningitis Research Foundation website
Measles on NHS Choices website
Mumps on NHS Choices website
Rubella on NHS Choices website

Registering your baby / child for the immunisation programme

I have just had a new baby. Do I need to register my baby for the immunisation programme?

If your baby was born in Jersey your child will be registered by the maternity unit on the child health computer system. You will be sent a reminder letter by post when an immunisation visit is due.

My baby was born outside of Jersey. Do I need to register them for the immunisation programme?

If your baby / child was born outside of Jersey, you should register with a GP as soon as you arrive in Jersey. Your GP surgery will notify the child health team that you are living in Jersey and you will be sent a reminder letter when any immunisations are due.

My child received immunisations in the UK / elsewhere. Do I need to register them for the immunisation programme?

Yes. You should register with a GP as soon as you arrive in Jersey. You should take your parent held record (red book) or any immunisation records to your GP surgery when you first attend.

Your GP will tell you if your child needs any further immunisations. They will also notify the child health team that you are living in Jersey and you will be sent a reminder letter when any immunisations are due.

What should I do if I change my address?

You should make sure that both your GP and health visitor are aware of your child’s new address (and your contact telephone numbers). Your GP or health visitor will inform the child health team of your child’s new address to make sure immunisation reminders reach you.

Taking your baby / child for immunisations

Will I get a reminder when my baby / child is due an immunisation?

Yes. You will receive a reminder letter in the post on each occasion when your child is due their immunisations at 2, 3, 4, and 12 months of age and at 3 years, 4 months of age.

Where should I take my baby / child for immunisations?

You should take your child to your GP surgery to be immunised. The immunisation visits will be free of charge.

Will I have to pay for the 6-week check visit or for immunisation visits at my GP practice?

No. The Health and Social Services department will pay your GP for the immunisation visits and for the vaccines when your child is aged 2, 3, 4, and 12 months of age and at 3 years 4 months of age so you will not have to pay. We are doing this because immunisations ensure your child is protected from potentially serious infectious diseases. 

What if I have been on the Island less than 6 months? Will I have to pay anything?

Even if you have been on the Island less than 6 months, Health and Social Services will still pay your GP for administering the immunisations, for the vaccines and for performing the 6-week check. However, if you have been in Jersey less than 6 months and you do not have a valid health card, your GP will not be able to claim the health insurance rebate from Social Security on your behalf. Your GP may pass that cost on to you. Please check with your GP. 

School age immunisations

My child is at school. Will they be due any immunisations?

Yes. Girls are offered immunisations in year 8, boys and girls in year 9. Girls and boys are also offered the booster of diphtheria / tetanus / polio in year 9.

Girls are offered the HPV vaccine to protect against cervical cancer.

You will receive information about these immunisations and a consent form to complete when these immunisations are due.

The vaccinations for school age children are given in school by the school nurses. They are very experienced in giving injections to pupils and they are particularly mindful that some children may be nervous. If you or your child have any worries, please discuss this with the immunisation nurse specialist or with the school nurses. 

Are the vaccines given in school free?

Yes.

Can I take my school age child to my GP for the immunisations?

You will need to make special arrangements with your GP (this is because GP practices do not stock the vaccines that are given in school.) It is likely that your GP practice will charge you for the consultations. Your GP should also charge you for the HPV (cervical screening) vaccination.