medical
matters
Immunisation is the safest and most effective way to protect your child against serious diseases
The immunisation programme in the UK has been so successful that some diseases have been completely eradicated. Although immunisation is voluntary, it’s important to immunise your child and, if you are travelling abroad, that you find out which vaccinations are needed well in advance.
In recent years, there has been much debate about certain immunisations. It is best to discuss any worries you may have with your health visitor or doctor. There is no proven effective alternative to conventional immunisation and The Council of the Faculty of Homeopathy has issued a statement saying that they "strongly support" the conventional vaccination programme and that "vaccination should be carried out in the normal way, using the conventional tested and proved vaccines, in the absence of medical contraindications”.
getting immunised
Vaccinations can be co-ordinated by your GP surgery through your local health authority, often within baby clinics. You may feel more upset than your child when he gets his jabs. They will probably only be tearful for a minute or two and will usually settle after a cuddle. For older children a plain biscuit or another treat can be a good way to make them forget any discomfort.
Sometimes redness and swelling may develop where the injection was given but this will slowly disappear. A few children may be unwell and irritable and develop a temperature. If so, give your child Calpol® Sugar Free Infant Suspension.
Follow the instructions on the packet and if they still have a temperature then consult your GP or health visitor. Very rarely, children can have allergic reactions straight after immunisation, which the medical staff are trained to cope with.
Has a high fever Has had a bad reaction to another immunisation Has had, or is having, treatment for cancer Has a bleeding disorder Has had a severe reaction after eating eggs Has had fits in the past. For more information visit www.immunisation.nhs.uk
The immunisation programme in the UK has been so successful that some diseases have been completely eradicated
Immunisation prepares the body to fight against disease. For example, the measles vaccine stimulates the body's immune system to produce cells that will fight, and prevent, measles. The following are important:
Your baby will have had a set of injections at two, three and four months, to protect them against meningitis C, polio, diphtheria, whooping cough (pertussis), tetanus and Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type B). Around 13 months they have one injection for: measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) and a booster for hepatitis C. From three years and four months to five years they are immunised against: diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, polio – one injection – and measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) – also one injection.
There is no proven effective alternativeto conventional immunisation
MMR vaccine in focus
The MMR vaccine protects against measles, mumps and rubella (German measles). The first injection is given when your child is around 13 months old and the second around three to five years old. Studies by both the Department of Health and the World Health Organisation have confirmed the vaccine is safe. Side effects may include a rash and tiredness within seven to ten days and/or swollen glands in the neck or groin for up to three weeks after vaccination. Your child is not infectious.
For more information, look at your child’s Red Book, or visit the NHS direct website at
www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk