Most immunisations (vaccinations) are given during childhood and are normally given by injection. Childhood immunisation is necessary to protect children from diseases that can cause serious disabilities, and in some cases are fatal.
Childhood immunisation prevents a wide range of diseases, including:
Diptheria
Hib (haemophilus infuenzae type b)
HPV (The human papillomavirus) - currently girls only
Measles
Meningitis C
Mumps
Pneumococcal infections
Polio (short for poliomyelitis)
Rubella (German measles)
Tetanus
Whooping cough (pertussis)
How does childhood immunisation work?
Newborn babies are immune to some diseases such as measles and rubella because the antibodies that protect them from these diseases have been passed on from their mothers. This is called ‘passive' immunity. This immunity only lasts for a few months. When your child is immunised they will have ‘active' immunity and will be protected against some diseases for life.
How does vaccination work?
Vaccinations contain a small amount of the inactive disease that your child is being immunised against. Because it is inactive, it means your child cannot get the disease from the vaccine.
After vaccination, your child's body will begin to make antibodies, or immune cells (white blood cells) against the disease. These antibodies will attack the bacterium or virus that causes the disease, should it get into the body in the future.
You will receive an appointment when your child's immunisation is due. It is very important that your child has their immunisation at the right time, to reduce their risk of catching any harmful diseases.
If your child's immunisation schedule has been interrupted or delayed for any reason, it can be resumed at any time. You don't have to start the schedule from the beginning.
If you miss an immunisation appointment, a second will be rescheduled. If you miss two appointments please contact your GP surgery.
Health record book
A complete record of your child's immunisation is kept in their health record book, so it is important to keep this in a safe place so that you can keep it up to date. Please take it with you when your child is going to have a vaccination.
Who shouldn't be immunised?
Only certain vaccinations will be given to your child if their immune system does not work properly, eg if they are receiving chemotherapy treatment. These vaccines will be given under the supervision of their GP or hospital consultant.
If your child has previously had a serious reaction to a vaccine, your GP may decide not to give it to them again. If you have any questions about childhood immunisation, your GP will be able to answer these.
Side effects
Side effects from immunisation are usually minor, and may depend on the vaccination given. There may be swelling around the site of the injection, a small lump where the injection was given or a slight redness to the skin. Other side effects may include fever, sickness, diarrhoea or swollen glands.
Severe reactions are extremely rare, but if treated quickly your child is likely to make a full recovery.
Call 999 immediately if your child finds it difficult to breathe or develops a rash that is not where the injection was given.
A baby who is having a severe reaction to an immunisation may cry in a high-pitched tone.
Diptheria
A highly contagious disease caused by a bacterium called Corynebacterium diptheriae. It causes a severe throat and chest infection.
Hib (haemophilus infuenzae type b)
A bacterium that can cause pneumonia and meningitis. Children under four are most at risk.
HPV (The human papillomavirus)
The human papillomavirus (HPV) is a virus that is spread during sexual contact. The vaccination prevents against 70% of cervical cancer.
Measles
Caused by the measles virus and can result in a serious fever and rash. In severe cases, measles can be fatal. It is now rare in the UK but the incidence of measles is increasing in some areas due to some children not being immunised.
Meningitis C
Caused by the meningococcus group c bacterium. In rare cases it can lead to blood poisoning and serious types of meningitis.
Mumps
Caused by the mumps virus. Mumps usually leads to inflammation and swelling of the salivary glands (the glands located just below the ears). In some cases it can cause pancreatitis, inflammation of the testes, meningitis and inflammation of the brain. In severe cases mumps can cause deafness.
Pneumococcal infections
These can affect anyone, but young children are more at risk of developing serious complications such as pneumonia and meningitis.
Polio (short for poliomyelitis)
A virus that first attacks the gut (bowel) but then travels to the nervous system and causes a meningitis-like illness. Polio can cause wasting of limbs and paralysis (when you can't move your limbs) in one or more parts of your body. The illness can seriously affect breathing in some people and may even lead to death.
Rubella (German measles)
Caused by the rubella virus and can lead to a mild illness and rash. In later life rubella can be serious to an unborn child as it can potentially lead to severe birth defects.
Tetanus
An infection found in the soil that causes severe muscle contractions and breathing difficulties. Tetanus is often fatal.
Whooping cough (pertussis)
Causes prolonged coughing that can be very distressing. In children, complications can include pneumonia or brain damage.
Last updated: 04/05/2011