Paediatric immunisations

UK's routine childhood immunisation programme (1)

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1. intramuscular injection into deltoid muscle in upper arm or anterolateral aspect of the thigh
2. rotavirus vaccine should only be given after checking for a severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) screening result
3. contains porcine gelatine
4. see annual flu letter (https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/annual-flu-programme)
5. if LAIV (live attenuated influenza vaccine) is contraindicated or otherwise unsuitable use inactivated flu vaccine (check Green Book chapter 19 (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/influenza-the-green-book-chapter-19) for details)
6. see Green Book chapter 18a (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/human-papillomavirus-hpv-the-green-book-chapter-18a) for immunising immunocompromised young people who will need 3 doses
7. take blood for HBsAg at 12 months to exclude infection
8. in addition hexavalent vaccine (Infanrix hexa or Vaxelis) is given at 8, 12 and 16 weeks
9. check SCID screening outcome before giving BCG
10. where the annual incidence of TB is >= 40/100,000 – see Tuberculosis by country: rates per 100,000 people (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/tuberculosis-tb-by-country-rates-per-100000-people)

Reference:

1. UK Health Security Agency. Routine childhood immunisations from 1 July 2024.