Service : Immunisation Service for children and young people

We provide routine childhood immunisations across Berkshire in both schools and community settings, supporting all children and young people aged 4 to 18. 

Our team delivers a structured annual vaccination programme across all schools, including:

• Influenza for Reception to Year 11 (delivered during Autumn term, for ages 4–16, or up to 25 in special educational needs schools)
• Diphtheria, Tetanus and Polio booster (DTaP) and Meningitis ACWY for Year 9 (delivered during Spring term, for ages 13–14)
• Human Papillomavirus (HPV) for Year 8 (delivered during Summer term, for ages 12–13)
• MMR catch-up for all year groups
• MMRV eligible catch-up for children born on or after the 01.01.2020

We also offer additional services, including catch-up clinics for anyone who missed their pre-school vaccinations, vaccinations for young adults up to age 25 in Special Educational Needs (SEN) schools, and specialist support for those who need a more tailored approach.

If your child attends school or is registered with one (even if they don’t attend regularly), you’ll receive an email from the school with a link to complete a consent form. If your child is home-schooled or does not attend school, then you should receive an email directly from our Children's Immunisations Service or via the Virtual Head. 

We’re not able to provide private or travel vaccines, your GP can advise you on where these are offered.

All children and young people aged 4 to 18 years living in Berkshire can access our service. This includes young adults with Special Educational Needs (SEN) up to age 25, as well as those with outstanding vaccinations.

You will receive a consent link by email from your child’s school.

Once we receive your referral, we'll follow up with you by email or telephone within seven working days. Please note, we are a term-time only service. Emails sent during school holidays may take longer to receive a response.

The Children's Immunisations Service will visit your child or young person at their school to carry out the scheduled vaccination(s). Please note, we will need a completed consent form for this. While we cannot give an exact time, the visit will take place during school hours.

If your child doesn't usually attend school, is absent on the day, or if you're coming to a clinic instead, we’ll send you an appointment with all the details of when and where to attend.

When you arrive, a member of our team will meet with you to check your details and confirm the vaccinations scheduled for the appointment.

To help make your appointment as comfortable as possible, we recommend wearing loose clothing so the vaccinator can easily access your upper arm, where most vaccines are given. Staying hydrated and eating a light meal beforehand can help you feel more relaxed.

It's also helpful to bring a list of any medications you're currently taking so we can ensure your vaccination is safe and appropriate. If you've recently moved to the UK, please share your vaccination history with us.

If you're aged 14 or over, you may be able to give consent for your vaccination or treatment yourself. However, we recommend talking this through with your parent, guardian, or carer beforehand.

We understand that vaccinations can cause anxiety for some people. Our experienced team of vaccinators and healthcare support workers are here to help. Appointments are usually quick, but we'll take the time needed to ensure you feel supported throughout.

Following a vaccination session, you'll receive an automated email detailing the outcome of your child's appointment.

NHS child flu vaccine information

The NHS child flu vaccine page has useful information on why the flu vaccine is important, who is eligible, and how to get the vaccine.

• Learn more

GOV.UK guide to immunisation

GOV.UK has guidance on what to expect after a vaccination, as well as leaflets and posters available in multiple languages and accessible formats for parents and carers.

• Learn more