Childhood Care & Immunisations

 

Childhood Care & Immunisations

All of our GPs have worked in paediatric hospitals as part of their training and are highly experienced in caring for children in the community. We treat common childhood illnesses, support parents with concerns, and provide all routine childhood vaccinations. Additional vaccines, such as the chickenpox vaccine, are available on request.

For information on pregnancy care, see Family Planning & Antenatal Care.

Under 8s GP Visit Card

All children under 8 years of age living in Ireland are entitled to a free GP visit card.

The card covers:

  • Free GP visits
  • Developmental checks at ages 2 and 5
  • GP home visits
  • Out‑of‑hours urgent GP care
  • Asthma care

Medication costs and hospital charges are not included.

Important: Free GP care can only be provided once your child has a valid Under‑8 card number. If an application has not been made after the 6‑week check, any visits before the card is issued will be charged at the normal rate.

Register Online

You can register your child online for an Under‑8 GP Visit Card. You will need:

  • Your PPS number
  • Your child’s PPS number
  • Your GP’s name

If your family has a medical card

If your family already has a GMS card and your child needs to be added, please contact reception. We can apply on your behalf. You will need your child’s birth certificate and PPS number.

If you are a private patient, you must apply online as it is a new application.

Primary Childhood Immunisation Schedule

Vaccination is a simple, safe, and effective way to protect children from serious diseases. The risks from these illnesses are far greater than the minor side effects that may occur after immunisation.

You can download:

  • The Primary Immunisation Schedule (born before 01/10/2024)
  • The Primary Immunisation Schedule (born on or after 01/10/2024)
  • A Parent’s Guide to Childhood Immunisations

For more information, see the Primary Childhood Immunisation Schedule.

School Vaccine Programme

During the school year:

  • Junior Infants receive the 4‑in‑1 and MMR vaccines
  • First‑year secondary students receive HPV, Tdap, and MenACWY vaccines

These vaccines are also offered to children in special schools or those who are home‑schooled in the same age group.

All vaccines in the school programme are free.

You can learn more about each programme:

  • 4‑in‑1 and MMR
  • Tdap
  • MenACWY
  • HPV

Your local school immunisation team can answer any questions you may have.

HPV Vaccines for Girls & Boys

The HPV vaccine has been offered to girls in first year of secondary school since 2010. Since 2019, boys are also offered the vaccine because HPV can cause cancers and genital warts in boys as well as girls.

Vaccinating both boys and girls helps reduce the spread of HPV and protects against HPV‑related cancers.

Conditions caused by HPV infection

In girls, HPV can cause cancers of the:

  • Cervix
  • Vulva
  • Vagina
  • Anus
  • Throat
  • Head and neck

In boys, HPV can cause cancers of the:

  • Anus
  • Throat
  • Penis
  • Head and neck

HPV can also cause genital warts in both boys and girls.

For more information, see HSE HPV Vaccine.

Flu Vaccine for Children

Children aged 2 to 17 can receive the nasal flu vaccine for free. Your child does not need to be in an at‑risk group to get it.

The nasal flu vaccine:

  • Helps protect your child from flu
  • Reduces the spread of flu to others, including siblings, parents, and grandparents
  • Has been safely used in children in the US since 2003 and the UK since 2013

Please contact reception to book your child’s flu vaccine.

For more information, see the HSE’s Children’s Flu Vaccine page.

Useful Links & Resources

Helpful child health information from the HSE:

Disclaimer

This page provides general information only and is not a substitute for medical advice. While we aim to keep content up to date, errors may occur. Please discuss any health concerns with your GP. If you have suggestions or updates that may help others, we welcome your feedback.