UKSHA message on excluding recently vaccinated children

Published: Friday, 20 June 2025

The DfE and the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) have become aware that some early education settings are temporarily excluding children who have recently been vaccinated, even if they feel well enough to attend.

UKHSA has asked DfE to circulate a message from its Director of Public Health Programmes – Dr Mary Ramsay – explaining why such policies are unnecessary and can have serious unintended consequences for children and the early years settings they attend. 

All medicines can cause side effects, but if a parent or carer feels their child is well enough to attend nursery or school after vaccination, they should be welcomed as normal.  

There is no reason to exclude children who have been recently vaccinated as vaccine viruses cannot spread to others. 

You can read the full message here.