Childhood immunisations


'The two public health interventions that have had the greatest impact on the world's health are clean water and vaccines' - World Health Organisation

 

What is immunisation?

Immunisation is a way of protecting ourselves from serious disease. Once we have been immunised, our bodies are more able to fight those diseases if we come into contact with them.

 

Why do we need immunisation?

Our bodies have a natural defence system against disease. This is called the immune system. This system produces substances called antibodies, which fight off disease and infection. There are some diseases that can kill children or cause lasting damage to their health, and sometimes your child's immune system needs to be protected from these.

 

When to immunise

After immunisation

Your child may get some of the following side effects, which are usually mild.

  • It is quite normal for your baby to be miserable within 48 hrs of having the injection.
  • Your child may develop a fever.
  • You may notice a small lump where your baby had the injection. This may last for a few weeks.
  • After BCG immunisation, a blister or sore will appear where the injection is given. This is quite normal. It gradually heals, especially if you do not cover it up. It will leave a small scar - this is again quite normal.
  • After Men C vaccine, your baby may have redness and swelling where they have the injection. About half of all babies who have the vaccine may become irritable, about 1:20 may get a mild fever.
  • The immunisation schedules for UK, UAE and USA can be viewed by clicking the link at the bottom of this article.

DTP - Hib vaccine

The DTP-Hib vaccine protects against four different diseases Diphtheria, Tetanus and Polio and Haemophilus influenza type b (Hib)

 

Your baby should have a DTP-Hib immunisation at two, three and four months old. They will be given a booster against diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis before they start school. They will get a tetanus and diphtheria booster between the ages of 13 and 18.

 

What is Diphtheria?

Diphtheria is a disease that usually begins with a sore throat and can quickly cause problems with breathing. It can damage the heart and nervous system and in severe cases, it can kill.

 

What is Tetanus?

Tetanus is a painful disease that affects the muscles and can cause breathing problems. Germs that are found in soil and manure and can into the body through open cuts or burns cause it. Tetanus affects the nervous system and if not treated, it can kill.

 

What is Polio?

Polio is a virus that attacks the nervous system and can permanently paralyse the muscles. If it affects the chest muscles, it can kill. The virus is passed in the faeces of people who have just been immunised against polio. Unlike other immunisations, it is given as a liquid to swallow.

 

After Polio Immunisation

Make sure that anyone who changes your baby's nappy washes his or her hands afterwards. The vaccine will continue to be passed into your baby's nappies for up to 6 weeks. People who have not been immunised against polio themselves could be affected by the tiny amount of virus in the vaccine if they come into contact with it. There is about one case of this each year in the UK. There is only an extremely small chance of your baby developing polio from the vaccine - about 1:1500000.

 

Anyone who has not had the polio vaccine, including grandparents who might be looking after your baby, should talk to their doctor about it. They can arrange to have the vaccine at the same time as your baby.

 

What is Hib?

Hib is an infection that can cause a number of major illnesses including meningitis and blood poisoning. The Hib vaccine only protects your child against one type of meningitis (Hib).

 

What is Pertussis (whooping cough)?

Whooping cough is a disease that can cause long bouts of coughing and choking which can make it hard to breathe. It can last for up to 10 weeks. It is not so serious in older children, but it can be very serious in babies under 1 year.

 

What is Meningitis?

Meningitis is an inflammation of the lining of the brain. The same germs that cause meningitis may cause septicaemia (blood poisoning) Babies and young people aged 15-17yrs are most at risk of getting meningitis or septicaemia from Meningococcal group C.

 

The government are encouraging those under the age of 24 to have vaccinations for meningitis, which is provided free of charge from your local General Practitioner.

 

What is TB (Tuberculosis)?

TB is an infection that affects the lungs. It can also affect other parts of the body such as the brain and bones. With treatment it is possible to make a full recovery. The BCG vaccine protects against TB. As part of the UK schedule, the vaccine is given to some babies shortly after they are born, including:

  • Babies with one or both parents who come from countries with a high rate of TB (e.g. India, Africa, Far East)
  • Babies who will be staying for more than a month in a country with a high rate of TB
  • Babies who could be in close contact with someone who has TB or has had TB in the past
  • The BCG vaccine is routinely given to children in UK between 10-14 yrs of age.

If you have more questions or want more detailed information, speak to your doctor, clinic nurse or health visitor.

 

You can also visit the web site www.immunisation.org.uk

 

Vaccines are normally given by General Practitioners (GPs).  To make an appointment to see one of our General Practitioners please call Appointments on 020 7460 5700.