The immunisation schedule is designed to vaccinate your child at the earliest effective age for each vaccine. Vaccinating at the recommended time ensures protection from a young age, as babies and young children are most at risk. Delaying vaccination increases the chance of your child contracting a disease. If an appointment is missed, your child can still be vaccinated later to catch up with the schedule—it’s never too late to start. However, the longer you wait, the more vulnerable your child remains. For advice on vaccinating outside the recommended times, consult your health visitor, practice nurse, or GP.