Baby · Health
Your baby's first jabs: what happens at 8, 12 and 16 weeks
The 8-week appointment tends to land just as you've worked out which way round the nappies go. Here's what's in each set of jabs, the paracetamol bit everyone forgets, and how to make the day a little less wobbly for both of you.
The 8-week jabs have a reputation. Mostly among parents, who tend to find them far harder than the baby does. One minute you're sitting in the waiting room feeling vaguely organised, the next you're holding a small, outraged person and trying very hard not to cry yourself. Totally normal, on both counts.
The good news is that the appointment itself is quick, and a bit of prep makes the rest of the day much easier. Here's what your baby is offered in the first few months, what to expect afterwards, and when to pick up the phone.
What your baby has, and when
According to the NHS vaccination schedule, the first three appointments look like this:
- 8 weeks: 6-in-1 vaccine (1st dose), rotavirus vaccine (1st dose) and MenB vaccine (1st dose).
- 12 weeks: 6-in-1 vaccine (2nd dose), MenB vaccine (2nd dose) and rotavirus vaccine (2nd dose).
- 16 weeks: 6-in-1 vaccine (3rd dose) and pneumococcal vaccine (1st dose).
The 6-in-1 protects against six serious illnesses: diphtheria, hepatitis B, Hib, polio, tetanus and whooping cough, says the NHS 6-in-1 vaccine page. Rotavirus is not an injection at all: the NHS explains it is a liquid squirted into your baby's mouth, and if they spit it straight out, they are simply given another dose.
More jabs follow at 1 year and 18 months. The schedule has changed recently and some doses depend on your baby's date of birth, so the NHS page and your red book are the best places to check what applies to your little one.
The paracetamol bit (write this down)
MenB can cause a high temperature, so the NHS MenB page advises giving your baby 3 doses of liquid paracetamol after the 8-week and 12-week jabs:
- The 1st dose as soon as possible after the vaccination.
- The 2nd dose 4 to 6 hours later.
- The 3rd dose 4 to 6 hours after that.
Leave at least 4 hours between doses, and do not give more than 4 doses in 24 hours. Check the packet for the right amount for your baby's age, and ask the practice nurse if you are unsure.
Buy the infant paracetamol before the appointment, not at 9pm when the only shop still open sells crisps and lottery tickets.
On the day: small things that help
The NHS vaccination tips for parents are refreshingly practical, and we have added a few from the changing-bag front line.
Bring the red book. Your baby's personal child health record gets updated at each appointment, so pop it in the bag the night before.
Leave early. The NHS suggests not rushing to get there, as giving yourself plenty of time helps you both avoid feeling stressed. Leaving the house with a newborn takes roughly three times longer than it should, so plan accordingly.
Dress for easy access. Babies under 12 months have their injections in the thigh, so choose clothes that come off easily. A sleepsuit with poppers beats a cute outfit with a hundred tiny buttons.
Hold them close. You will usually hold your baby on your knee during the injection. Try to stay as calm as you can, because it is natural to worry, but your baby picks up on it. Deep breaths. You have got this.
Then cuddle. Your baby may cry for a little while, says the NHS, but they should feel better after a cuddle. Plenty of parents find a feed straight afterwards helps settle everyone, including the grown-up.
Afterwards: what's normal
Most side effects are mild and pass quickly. For the 6-in-1, the NHS lists swelling or pain where the injection was given, a high temperature, tiredness, loss of appetite, being sick or diarrhoea, and irritability. The spot where the needle went in can be sore and red for 2 to 3 days.
A high temperature after MenB usually gets better within 1 or 2 days. If your baby does get a temperature, give them plenty to drink. After the rotavirus drops, diarrhoea and grumpiness are the most common reactions.
One for the nappy changes. For a few weeks after the rotavirus vaccine, your baby's poo may contain a weakened version of the virus, so keep washing your hands well, especially after changing their nappy.
When to call for help
The NHS advises contacting your GP urgently if your baby:
- is under 3 months old and has a temperature of 38C or higher
- is 3 to 6 months old and has a temperature of 39C or higher
- is unwell and you are worried about them
There is also a very small risk of a bowel problem called intussusception in the week after the rotavirus vaccine. The NHS says to ask for an urgent GP appointment or call NHS 111 if your baby has blood in their poo, poo that looks like redcurrant jelly, or a swollen or painful tummy. Severe allergic reactions to vaccines are very rare and happen within minutes. If you ever think it is an emergency, call 999.
If your baby already has a fever, diarrhoea or vomiting on the day, the NHS suggests waiting until they are feeling better before having the rotavirus vaccine, so ring the surgery to rearrange.
Missed one, or feeling nervous?
Life with a newborn is not known for its punctuality. If an appointment slips, contact your GP surgery to rebook. It is worth not leaving rotavirus too long, as the NHS says the first dose can be given up to 15 weeks and the second up to 24 weeks.
If you have questions or worries about any of it, the practice nurse or your health visitor will happily talk them through. Nobody expects you to arrive an expert. For the coughs and sniffles that winter brings anyway, our guides to your baby's first cold and RSV this winter are worth a read, and if the evening after the jabs turns into a long one, try the six things to check first at 3am.
The short version
- 8 weeks: 6-in-1, rotavirus and MenB. 12 weeks: the same again. 16 weeks: 6-in-1 and pneumococcal.
- Give 3 doses of liquid paracetamol after the 8 and 12-week jabs, as the NHS advises.
- Bring the red book, wear easy poppers, leave early, cuddle afterwards.
- Soreness, grumpiness and a mild temperature are common and pass in a day or two.
- Call your GP urgently for a temperature of 38C or more under 3 months, or if you are worried.
This article is general information, not medical advice. Every baby is different. If you are worried about your baby after a vaccination, contact your GP, call NHS 111, or call 999 in an emergency.
If you’re trying to conceive (TTC), you probably know that there are certain foods and nutrients that become especially important once you’re pregnant. But nutrition plays a vital role even when trying to conceive, much like laying a strong foundation before constructing a house.
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When choosing a supplement to support your fertility journey, look for science-backed, high-quality ingredients. Our editors are careful to select and partner with brands that use ingredients that have been clinically studied to support fertility. Eu Natural® (pronounced you) covers all those bases and more. We love knowing that Eu Natural® products contain zero artificial additives, binders, or fillers and are lab-tested to ensure purity and potency.
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