At 12 weeks your baby has the second dose of the same three vaccines they had at 8 weeks: the 6-in-1, MenB and rotavirus. So you already know roughly what to expect - two injections in the thigh and the rotavirus drops by mouth.
Since 2025 the MenB second dose is given at 12 weeks (it used to be 16 weeks), and the pneumococcal vaccine moved to 16 weeks. If you have older children, that is why their red book looks different.
From the official NHS schedule, last checked 16 September 2026. Reflects the schedule for a baby born in 2026. Children born earlier may follow slightly different dates during the 2024-2026 transition to the 4-dose 6-in-1, the 18-month appointment and MMRV (which now includes chickenpox) - your GP or Red Book has the exact plan.
The second dose builds on the first. Each dose strengthens and lengthens the protection your baby has.
The second MenB dose. As before, infant paracetamol is recommended to reduce the chance of fever.
The second and final rotavirus dose. After this your baby has full protection against the worst rotavirus tummy bugs.
Paracetamol again, as at 8 weeks
MenB is given again today, so the NHS advice is the same as last time: give 3 doses of infant paracetamol, the first as soon as possible after the jab and then two more 4 to 6 hours apart. This is the last time it is recommended in advance - for later appointments you only give it if your baby needs it.
Why the second doses matter
A single dose gives a baby only partial protection. Each extra dose builds stronger, longer-lasting immunity, which is why the 6-in-1 is given four times in total and MenB three times.
This is also the final rotavirus dose. After it, your baby has completed the course that protects against the worst rotavirus tummy bugs.
What is normal afterwards
- A sore or swollen leg where the jabs were given.
- A high temperature, more likely with MenB.
- Being unsettled, tired or feeding less for a day or two.
- Some diarrhoea after the rotavirus drops.
When to get help
Ask for an urgent GP appointment or call NHS 111 if your child:
- is under 3 months old and has a temperature of 38C or higher, or is 3 to 6 months old and has a temperature of 39C or higher
- still has a high temperature more than 48 hours after the MenB jab
- has blood in their poo, a swollen or painful tummy, or keeps being sick
- shows signs of dehydration such as fewer wet nappies, or you are worried
Call 999 if your child has difficulty breathing, is floppy or unresponsive, or has a fit for the first time.
This page is general information, not medical advice. Your GP, practice nurse, health visitor or pharmacist can advise on your own child.
16 weeks: 6-in-1 vaccine (DTaP/IPV/Hib/HepB), Pneumococcal vaccine (PCV).
Enter your child's date of birth on our United Kingdom schedule page to see when each appointment is due, and add reminders to your phone calendar.
Doses need to be at least 4 weeks apart, so the next appointment is usually 4 weeks after the last one rather than exactly at 12 weeks. Your GP surgery will plan the dates.
The rotavirus course must be finished before 24 weeks of age. If your baby has not had a dose by then, the nurse will not give it, which is why it is worth keeping to the schedule.
Yes - this is the second and last MenB dose where the NHS recommends giving 3 doses of infant paracetamol afterwards to prevent a fever.
- United Kingdom schedule - NHS / UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA)
- NHS - Vaccinations and when to have them
- NHS - 6-in-1 vaccine
- NHS - MenB vaccine for children
- NHS - Rotavirus vaccine
- GOV.UK (UKHSA) - MenB vaccine and paracetamol
Checked against these NHS pages on 1 November 2026. How we research and check: our editorial policy.
Other United Kingdom appointments
8-week jabs · 16-week jabs · 1-year jabs · 18-month jabs · Pre-school booster