Children and young people are entitled to certain immunisation services free of charge. These are provided in GP surgeries, in hospitals, in health clinics or in school (depending on the circumstances).
Immunisation is a safe and effective way to help the body prevent or fight off certain diseases. Immunisation is provided through vaccinations. Under the Childhood Immunisation Programme all vaccines and their administration are provided free of charge for all children.
Parents must consent to vaccinations for children and young people up to the age of 16. Vaccination is not compulsory, but is strongly advised by the Department of Health. You should discuss any concerns you may have with your GP/family doctor before making a decision about your child's immunisation.
| Age | Where | Vaccine |
| Birth | Hospital or HSE clinic | BCG vaccination (a vaccine to protect against tuberculosis) |
| 2 months | GP | 6 in 1 (diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough (pertussis), polio, Hib (Haemophilus Influenzae Type B) and Hepatitis B is provided in one single injection) plus vaccine against Pneumococcal Disease in a separate injection. Babies born on or after 1 October 2016 are also given vaccines against Meningococcal B and rotavirus disease. |
| 4 months | GP | 6 in 1 (diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough (pertussis), polio, Hib (Haemophilus Influenzae Type B) and Hepatitis B is provided in one single injection). In addition, babies born before 1 October 2016 are vaccinated against Meningococcal C. Babies born on or after 1 October are given vaccines against Meningococcal B and rotavirus disease. |
| 6 months | GP | 6 in 1 (diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough (pertussis), polio, Hib (Haemophilus Influenzae Type B) and Hepatitis B is provided in one single injection) and also vaccine against Pneumococcal Disease. Babies born on or after 1 October are also given vaccine against Meningococcal C. |
| 12 months | GP | MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine. In addition, babies born before 1 October 2016 are given vaccine against Pneumococcal Disease. Babies born on or after 1 October are given vaccine against Meningococcal B. |
| 13 months | GP | Vaccine against Meningococcal C and Hib (Haemophilus Influenzae Type B). Babies born on or after 1 October 2016 are given vaccine against Pneumococcal Disease. |
| 4–5 years | GP or school | 4 in 1 (diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough (pertussis) and polio), plus MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine. |
| 11–14 years
1st year in second-level schools Girls in 1st year in second-level schools |
School
School |
Tdap (tetanus and low-dose diphtheria) booster. Meningococcal C booster.
HPV (Human Papillomavirus Virus) vaccine (2 doses). |