Childhood health

Immunisations

School age vaccinations are provided by the school age immunisation team.

The team includes registered nurses and healthcare support workers who deliver the national school age programme of immunisations.

These vaccinations are usually given in schools, but can also be arranged at home or in a different venue for children who are not in mainstream education.

More information can be found on our school age immunisation service.

Bed wetting

Bed wetting is a common issue, affecting up to half a million children aged five to sixteen.

Children may wet the bed every night, a few times a week, or less often.

It is important to remember that bed wetting is not the child’s fault. It is not caused by laziness or poor toilet training.

Why does bed wetting happen

There are several reasons why a child may wet the bed, including:

• not waking to bladder signals
• a lack of vasopressin
• an overactive bladder
• constipation
• family traits
• anxieties

Treatment

• Bed wetting alarms help train the brain to respond to a full bladder.
• Medication can reduce urine production at night or calm an overactive bladder.

How to get help

For advice and support, contact your general practitioner or alternately, your local school nursing service on:

• Phone: 0800 019 9951

You can also contact ERIC who provide information and support to parents and children via the helpline:

• Phone: 0845 370 8008
• Text: 0447 624 811 636
• ERIC (opens in new window)

Self help

• Remain calm.
• Involve your child in decisions to seek support.
• Ensure adequate fluids in the day.
• Encourage your child to use the toilet throughout the day and at bedtime.
• Ensure your child can get to the toilet easily at night.
• Have a good bedtime routine with clean bedding and nightwear to hand.

Plan your journey

If you use public transport, the Traveline journey planner provides information about what services and times are available.

Page last reviewed: March 11, 2025
Next review due: March 11, 2026