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 5505 (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 March: Kings House, 245 Ampthill Road, Bedford, MK42 9AZ (10:00-14:00)
CENTRAL BEDFORDSHIRE
- Every Wednesday until end of March: Meppershall Village Hall, Walnut Tree Way, Meppershall, SG17 5AB (10:00-14:00)
- Thursday 20 February: Downside Community Centre, Suffolk Road, Dunstable, LU5 4ES (10:00-14:00)
- Thursday 27 February: Linmere Farmstead, Huckett Street, Houghton Regis, LU5 5GX (10:00-14:00)
- Thursday 13 March: Linmere Farmstead, Huckett Street, Houghton Regis, LU5 5GX (10:00-14:00)
- Thursday 27 March: Linmere Farmstead, Huckett Street, Houghton Regis, LU5 5GX (10:00-14:00)
LUTON
- Monday 17 February: Luton Irish Forum, 102 Hitchin Road, Luton, LU2 0ES (10:00-14:00)
- Wednesday 19 February: The Dallow Centre, 234 Dallow Road, Luton, LU1 1TB (10:00-14:00)
- Thursday 20 February: Hockwell Ring Family Hub, Mayne Avenue, Leagrave, Luton, LU4 9LB (10:00-14:00)
- Thursday 6 March: Hockwell Ring Family Hub, Mayne Avenue, Leagrave, Luton, LU4 9LB (10:00-14:00)
- Thursday 20 March: Hockwell Ring Family Hub, Mayne Avenue, Leagrave, Luton, LU4 9LB (10:00-14:00)
MILTON KEYNES
- Every Tuesday until end of March: The Mead Centre, 67a High Street, Newport Pagnell, MK16 8AB (11:00-14:00)
- Saturday 22 February: Giffard Park Community Centre, Broadway Avenue, Milton Keynes, MK14 5GJ (10:00-14:00)