Childhood Immunisations
Your child will be offered regular immunisations in the years before he starts school. These protect him against potentially harmful diseases like polio, meningitis and measles.
How do immunisations work?
Immunisations work by stimulating your child's body to produce antibodies against harmful diseases. Most are given more than once to make sure that they've definitely “taken”. The second or third doses are known as boosters.
Children are offered immunisations when they're young to make sure they are protected against diseases before they come into contact with them. Each time your child has a vaccination, it's noted in his Red Book so that you have a record of what he's had.
What to expect on a day?
Each time your child is due to have an immunisation, your local GP practice or child health department will send you a reminder. The jabs themselves are usually done by nurses at your local baby clinic.
If your child is poorly, you may be advised to wait a week or so before immunising him, just as a precaution. If you have any questions or concerns about the immunisations, your GP, health visitor or practice nurse will be glad to talk them through with you.
After the vaccination
You will be asked to stay in the surgery for about 10 minutes after the immunisation, just in case your child reacts to the injection. Immunisations (given by injection) may cause your child to be upset for a little while and they may be irritable and off colour that evening. Offer your little one plenty of cuddles. Don't worry if you see a bit of redness and swelling where the injection was given.
To help you remember key dates for your child's vaccinations, we have created an immunisation table for quick and easy reference.
Download the immunisation calendar
Please note this is for background information only. If you are at all concerned or in any doubt contact your GP.
Find out more:
For further information visit the NHS website