Childhood Immunisation Programme: Who Qualifies and What You Get
Learn how your child can access free scheduled vaccines from birth through age 13 to stay protected.
This programme provides scheduled vaccines to protect children against various diseases from birth until they reach age 13.
Who it's for
This programme is available to all children living in Ireland. Whether they are newborns or older children, any child residing in the country is eligible to receive these scheduled immunisations to support their health and development.
What you get
You receive free vaccines according to a specific schedule designed to protect children as they grow. This includes various vaccinations administered from birth through to age 13. These medical services are provided to ensure that children are protected against preventable illnesses during their most vulnerable years.
What it costs you
The programme is entirely free for families. There are no charges for the vaccines themselves, and you do not have to pay for the administration of these doses. The services are provided directly through your GP, making it easy to access medical care for your child's immunisations without financial burden.
The catch to know
The most important thing to remember is to keep your child's 'Blue Book' safe. This document serves as the official record of all the vaccines your child receives. It is a vital document that you will likely need to provide when enrolling your child in school to prove their vaccination status.
How to apply
- Contact your GP to find out when your child is due for their next scheduled vaccine.
- Book an appointment with your healthcare provider to receive the baby jabs or older child immunisations.
- Attend the appointment with your child to have the vaccines administered.
- Ensure that your child's 'Blue Book' is updated by the medical professional during the visit.
- Keep the 'Blue Book' in a secure location for future use during school enrollment.