SEND & Vaccinations - Vaccination UK

Vaccination support that’s right for your child

Part of the NHS School Aged Immunisation Service

You know your child best. If there is anything that could make their vaccination easier, please tell us when you complete the consent form or contact your local Vaccination UK team before the vaccination session.

This might include:

Having extra time
A quieter environment
Simple, clear or visual explanations
Additional time to process information
Distraction techniques
Having a parent, carer or familiar adult present where possible
Support with positioning or sensory needs
Taking things slowly and allowing time for breaks

If your child has had a difficult experience with vaccination or needles previously, please let us know. This can help us plan the right support.

Preparing your child for their vaccination

Knowing what to expect can help some children feel more comfortable about vaccination.

Before the appointment, it may help to:

Talk about what will happen using simple, familiar language.
Look at pictures or a visual guide together.
Let your child know who they will meet and where the vaccination will happen.
Bring something that helps them feel comfortable, such as headphones, a favourite toy or another distraction.
Tell the vaccination team about anything that may help or make the experience more difficult.

Try to be open with your child about what will happen. Our vaccination team can take time to explain each step in a way that works for them.

Vaccinations your child may be offered

Children and young people with SEND are offered the same free NHS school-age vaccinations as other eligible children.

Depending on their age and vaccination history, these may include:

Flu

The flu vaccine is offered each year to eligible school-age children and helps protect against flu and its complications.

Find out about the flu vaccine

HPV

The HPV vaccine helps protect against cancers caused by human papillomavirus (HPV).

Find out about the HPV vaccine

Td/IPV and MenACWY

These teenage vaccinations help protect against tetanus, diphtheria, polio and meningococcal disease.

Find out about teenage vaccinations

MMR

MMR protects against measles, mumps and rubella. Catch-up vaccination may be available if your child has missed one or both doses.

Find out about MMR

What if my child cannot be vaccinated in school?

For some children, being vaccinated during a school vaccination session may not be the best option.

Please talk to our team about your child’s needs. We can discuss the support available and whether an alternative arrangement may be more suitable.

You can also use our clinic finder to find upcoming Vaccination UK catch-up clinics in your area.

Find a catch-up clinic

Frequently asked questions

Yes. Please let us know about your child’s anxiety before their vaccination. Our teams are experienced in supporting children who are worried about needles and can discuss adjustments that may help.

Please tell us how your child communicates and what works best for them. This might include visual information, gestures, a communication aid or support from someone who knows them well.

This will depend on where the vaccination takes place and the individual circumstances. If you feel your presence would help your child, please discuss this with our team beforehand.

We will not rush your child. Our team can give them time, adapt their approach and discuss the best next step with you.

Alternative arrangements may be possible depending on your area and your child’s needs. Please contact your local Vaccination UK team or use our catch-up clinic finder.

What to expect with a
nasal spray Flu vaccine

Our commitment to children, schools and families

Talk to us about your child’s needs

The most important thing is to tell us what works for your child.

When completing your child’s consent form, give us as much information as you can about any additional needs, reasonable adjustments, previous experiences or concerns.

If you’d prefer to speak to someone before the vaccination, please contact your local Vaccination UK team.

Contact us

Find a catch-up clinic

We are passionate about protecting children’s health and supporting schools to create safer, healthier learning environments.

By working proactively with schools and families, we help ensure: