What the 6-in-1 vaccine is for
The 6-in-1 vaccine protects children against 6 serious illnesses:
When children should have the 6-in-1 vaccine
Children are given 4 doses of the 6-in-1 vaccine as part of the NHS vaccination schedule.
They are given the vaccine when they are:
- 8 weeks old
- 12 weeks old
- 16 weeks old
- 18 months old (if they were born on or after 1 July 2024)
If your child has missed their 6-in-1 vaccinations, contact their GP surgery. It's best to have them on time, but they can still have the 6-in-1 vaccine up to the age of 10.
Children who cannot have the 6-in-1 vaccine
Most children can have the 6-in-1 vaccine.
They only cannot have the vaccine if:
- they've had a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to a previous dose of the vaccine
- they've had a serious allergic reaction to anything in the vaccine (including neomycin, polymyxin, formaldehyde or polysorbate 80)
If your child has a condition that affects their brain, such as epilepsy, speak to a doctor, nurse or health visitor before they have the vaccine.
Getting vaccinated if your child is unwell
If your child has a high temperature, wait until they're feeling better before having the vaccine.
If they are unwell but do not have a high temperature, check with a doctor, nurse or health visitor if they can still have the vaccine.
6-in-1 vaccine ingredients
There is 1 type of 6-in-1 vaccine given in the UK. You can check the ingredients in the patient leaflet:
How to get the 6-in-1 vaccine
Your GP surgery will usually contact you about your child's 6-in-1 vaccinations. This will usually be by letter, text, phone call or email.
It's best to have the vaccinations on time, but your child can still have the 6-in-1 vaccine up to the age of 10.
Non-urgent advice: Speak to your GP surgery if:
- you have not been contacted to get your child's 6-in-1 vaccinations
- your child has missed their 6-in-1 vaccinations, or you're not sure if they've had all 4 doses of the vaccine
- your child is unwell and is due to have the vaccine – they may need to wait until they're feeling better before having the vaccine
- you need to change a vaccination appointment
Your GP surgery can book or rearrange an appointment.
Appointment advice for parents
Side effects of the 6-in-1 vaccine
Like all medicines, the 6-in-1 vaccine can cause side effects, but not all children get them.
Common side effects
Common side effects of the 6-in-1 vaccine include:
- swelling or pain where the injection was given
- a high temperature
- feeling tired
- loss of appetite
- being sick or diarrhoea
- irritability
You can give children children's paracetamol to ease any symptoms.
Check the packaging or leaflet to make sure the medicine is suitable for your child, or speak to a pharmacist or doctor if you're not sure.
Urgent advice: Ask for an urgent GP appointment or call 111 if your child:
- is under 3 months old and has a temperature of 38C or higher, or you think they have a high temperature
- is 3 to 6 months old and has a temperature of 39C or higher, or you think they have a high temperature
- is unwell and you're worried about them
Allergic reactions
More serious side effects such as a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) are very rare and usually happen within minutes.
The person who vaccinates your child will be trained to deal with allergic reactions and treat them immediately.
More about vaccine safety
Find out more about why vaccinations are important and the safest way to protect yourself