The short version: your puppy needs a primary course of two injections, usually the first from 8 weeks and the second at 10 to 12 weeks, then a first booster at around 12 months. They can normally go outside on shared ground about one to two weeks after the second injection. Worming runs alongside on its own timetable. Your vet sets the exact dates, so keep the record and try not to miss the second dose.
The standard UK puppy vaccination schedule
Vaccines are given as a course rather than a single jab, because a puppy's protection has to be built up in steps. The table below shows the pattern most UK vets follow. The exact ages shift a little depending on the practice and the vaccine brand, so treat it as a guide and follow the dates your own vet gives you.
| Age | What usually happens | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6 to 8 weeks | First vaccination (primary course, dose 1) | Often done by the breeder before you collect your puppy. Ask for the written record. |
| 10 to 12 weeks | Second vaccination (primary course, dose 2) | Given 2 to 4 weeks after the first. Protection builds over the next 1 to 2 weeks. |
| Around 16 weeks | Sometimes a third dose | For parvovirus in higher-risk areas or certain breeds. Your vet decides. |
| Around 12 months | First booster | Tops up the primary course a year on. |
| Every year after | Boosters as advised | Some parts are yearly, such as leptospirosis, others every 3 years. Your vet keeps track. |
Exact ages and vaccines vary between practices and brands. This is the common UK pattern, not a fixed rule. Always follow the schedule your own vet gives you.
What are the core vaccines?
In the UK the core puppy vaccines protect against canine distemper, infectious hepatitis, parvovirus and leptospirosis. On the record these are often written as DHP and L, sometimes with parainfluenza added as DHPPi. They are recommended for every puppy, including one that mostly stays indoors, because diseases like parvovirus and leptospirosis can be carried in on shoes, in soil, or through contact with wildlife.
A few vaccines are optional, or non-core. Kennel cough is worth having if your puppy will go into boarding kennels, daycare, training classes, or anywhere dogs mix closely, and many kennels require it. Rabies is only needed for travelling abroad and can be given from 12 weeks. Your vet will suggest what suits your puppy's life.
When can my puppy go outside?
Most vets advise waiting about one to two weeks after the second injection before your puppy walks on ground that other, unvaccinated dogs use. In practice that is usually from around 11 to 14 weeks, depending on when the course finished.
You do not have to keep them shut away until then. Your own garden is normally fine if no unvaccinated dogs use it, and you can carry your puppy out to see traffic, people and everyday sights while their protection builds. This early socialisation matters, because the main window for it closes at around 12 to 14 weeks, so it is worth doing safely rather than skipping.
Worming and flea treatment alongside
Vaccinations are not the only schedule to keep. Puppies are usually wormed every 2 weeks until they are 12 weeks old, then monthly until 6 months, then every 1 to 3 months as adults. Flea treatment is typically monthly. Your vet or the product packaging will give the exact timings for the treatment you use.
Because worms can leave a puppy off their food or slow to gain weight, it is worth pairing regular worming with regular weigh-ins, as covered in our puppy weight guide. The two together give you a clearer picture of a puppy who is thriving.
What is normal after a jab?
It is common for a puppy to be a little quiet, sleepy or off their food for a day or so after an injection, and for the spot to feel slightly tender. This usually settles on its own within a day or two. If appetite dips only briefly that is normal, but if it does not bounce back, or you are unsure about portions as your puppy grows, the feeding calculator gives a sensible starting point.
Ring your vet promptly if you see signs of a stronger reaction, such as repeated vomiting or diarrhoea, swelling around the face, heavy scratching or hives, or any trouble breathing. These reactions are uncommon, but they need same-day attention.
Do not miss the second dose
The most important part of the whole schedule is finishing the primary course on time. Your puppy is not fully protected after the first injection alone, and if the second dose is delayed by more than a couple of weeks, your vet may have to start the course again. Keeping the record from your breeder or vet, and knowing the date of the next appointment, saves a lot of second-guessing later.
When to check with your vet
Your vet is the right source for your puppy's exact schedule, because it depends on the vaccines they use and where you live. Book the primary course as soon as you bring your puppy home, ask for a written record of anything the breeder has already done, and ring the practice whenever you are unsure whether your puppy is due or covered. When the timing is in doubt, a quick call to your vet beats guessing every time.
Vivlo keeps every date in one place. Add your puppy's vaccinations, boosters and worming, and Vivlo reminds you before each one is due, then keeps the record in your pocket for when the vet asks. No more working out what is due from a drawer full of packaging.
See how it worksCommon questions
When can my puppy go outside after their vaccinations?
Most vets advise waiting until about one to two weeks after the second vaccination, which usually means from around 11 to 14 weeks of age. Before then your puppy can still go out in your own garden if no unvaccinated dogs use it, and you can carry them out and about so they see the world safely while their protection builds.
What if I miss a puppy vaccination or booster?
If the second dose of the primary course is delayed by more than a couple of weeks, your vet may need to start the course again, so it is worth keeping to the dates. A late annual booster is usually less of a problem, but ring your practice to check whether your puppy is still covered or needs to restart. Your vet decides based on the exact vaccines used.
Do indoor puppies need vaccinating?
Yes. Some diseases, such as parvovirus and leptospirosis, can be carried in on shoes, in soil, or through contact with wildlife and other animals, so a puppy that mostly stays indoors is still at risk. The core vaccines are recommended for all puppies. Your vet can advise on optional extras based on your puppy's lifestyle.
Is the kennel cough vaccine necessary?
Kennel cough is an optional, non-core vaccine. It is usually recommended if your puppy will go into boarding kennels, doggy daycare, training classes or busy places where dogs mix closely. Many kennels require it. If your puppy rarely mixes with other dogs, your vet may say it is not needed.
How many vaccinations does a puppy need to start?
The primary course is two injections given two to four weeks apart, with the first usually from 8 weeks and the second at 10 to 12 weeks. Some puppies have a third dose at around 16 weeks in higher-risk situations. After that, the first booster is at around 12 months. Your vet sets the exact plan.
Can I take my puppy to puppy classes before they are fully vaccinated?
Often yes, as long as the class is run indoors on a clean floor and every puppy attending is part-vaccinated, which good classes require. Early socialisation matters because the main window closes at around 12 to 14 weeks, so vets try to balance safe mixing against waiting for full cover. Check what your class requires and ask your vet if you are unsure.