Immunisations are available against lots of infectious diseases which can cause serious illness or, in some cases, can be fatal. The NHS strongly recommends that children are vaccinated against these infections and has published a handy list of childhood immunisations and the age at which they’re usually given.
School vaccinations
Once your child starts school, they will usually be able to receive their vaccinations at school, where our NHS teams will make a special visit. Your child’s school will provide details of how to give your consent for your child to be vaccinated.
If your child is absent or unable to have a vaccination at school, you can use our catch-up sessions to ensure that they get the protection they need. These are listed below.
If you’re pregnant
If you’re pregnant then you should also make sure that you are protected against some nasty infections which can make you very poorly and can even cause damage to your baby. Get more information on recommended vaccinations here. To get vaccinated, you can speak to your midwife, your general practice or come to any of our sessions listed below.
Catch-up sessions
You can check your child’s vaccination record in their Red Book. If you think your child is behind on any immunisations, you can speak to your general practice, or attend any of the catch-up sessions which are offered at venues across Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes.
Our current list of catch-up clinics is below. This will be updated as more sessions are arranged. Parents/carers can call 0300 555 5055 (option 5) to book a slot in advance, or just walk in during the opening hours listed.
These clinics offer all vaccinations for children and young people which are given as part of the NHS immunisation programme. This includes MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), HPV (human papillomavirus), DTP (diphtheria, tetanus, polio), and all other vaccines the NHS offers. All of our clinics are free to attend.
BEDFORD BOROUGH
- Every Monday until end of August (except 25 August, which is a public holiday): Kings House, 245 Ampthill Road, Bedford, MK42 9AZ (10:00-14:00)
- Tuesday 12 August: Wootton Community Centre, Harris Way, Wootton, Bedford, MK43 9FZ (10:00-14:00)
- Friday 29 August: Great Denham Community Hall, 86-88 Saxon Way, Great Denham, MK40 4GP (10:00-14:00)
CENTRAL BEDFORDSHIRE
- Wednesday 13 August: The Weatherley Centre, Eagle Farm Road, Biggleswade, SG18 8JH (10:00-14:00)
- Wednesday 20 August: Vandyke Upper School, Vandyke Road, Leighton Buzzard, LU7 3DY (10:00-14:00)
- Tuesday 26 August: Linmere Farmstead, Huckett Street, Houghton Regis, LU5 5GX (10:00-14:00)
LUTON
- Every Monday until end of August (except 25 August, which is a public holiday): Luton Irish Forum, 102 Hitchin Road, Luton, LU2 0ES (10:00-14:00)
- Every Tuesday until end of August: The Dallow Centre, 234 Dallow Road, Luton, LU1 1TB (10:00-14:00)
- Every Wednesday until end of August: The Dallow Centre, 234 Dallow Road, Luton, LU1 1TB (10:00-14:00)
- Wednesday 20 August: Redgrave Children and Young People’s Centre, 27 Redgrave Gardens, Luton, LU3 3QN (09:00-15:30)
- Wednesday 27 August: Redgrave Children and Young People’s Centre, 27 Redgrave Gardens, Luton, LU3 3QN (09:00-15:30)
MILTON KEYNES
- Thursday 14 August: MK Christian Centre, Strudwick Drive, Oldbrook, MK6 2TG (10:00-14:00)
- Thursday 14 August: Giffard Park Community Centre, Broadway Avenue, Giffard Park, MK14 5GJ (10:00-14:00)
- Thursday 21 August: Summerlin Community Centre, 138 Station Road, Woburn Sands, MK17 8SG (10:00-14:00)
- Thursday 21 August: Giffard Park Community Centre, Broadway Avenue, Giffard Park, MK14 5GJ (10:00-14:00)
- Thursday 28 August: MK Christian Centre, Strudwick Drive, Oldbrook, MK6 2TG (10:00-14:00)
- Thursday 28 August: Giffard Park Community Centre, Broadway Avenue, Giffard Park, MK14 5GJ (10:00-14:00)