CHILD  IMMUNISATIONS

At Springwell Medical Centre we strongly encourage parents to have their children immuninised against childhood illnesses.  Immunisation works - since the introduction of the meningitis vaccination there has been a significant drop inn the numbers of children getting meningitis. The number of children receiving the MMR vaccine has fallen recently and the incidence of childhood illnesses such as measles has increased. It is becoming clearer that the safety fears surrounding the MMR immunisation is unfounded . The benefits of immunising far outweigh the minimal  risks 

When should they be given?

If a vaccine is given when a baby still has antibodies to the disease , the antibodies can stop the vaccines working. This is why the routine child vaccinations do not start until about two months old , before the antibodies a baby gets from its mother have stopped working. This is why it is important for parents to stick to the immunisation schedule, as a delay can leave a baby unprotected. A delay can also increase the chance of adverse reactions to some vaccines

 Immunisation Schedule

When to Immunise	Disease Protected  Against
2 Months	1st Diptheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (Whooping Cough), Polio and HiB ( DTaP/IPV/HiB) plus 1st Pneumococcal vaccine
3 Months	2nd Diptheria , Tetanus, Pertussis(Whooping Cough) Polio and Hib (DtaP/IPV/HiB) plus 1st  Meningitis C vaccine
4 Months	3rd Diptheria, Tetanus, Pertussis( Whooping Cough) Polio and HIB( DtaP/IPV/HiB) plus 2nd Meningitis C vaccine plus 2nd pneumococcal vaccine
12 - 14 Months	4th HiB and 3rd Meningitis C  vaccine
13 Months	1st MMR ( Measles Mumps and Rubella)
3yrs 4 Mths to    5years	Booster Diptheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (Whooping Cough) and Polio ( DTaP/IPV) and Measles Mumps and Rubella (MMR)
10-14 years	Tuberculosis (BCG)
13yrs to 18yrs	Diptheria, Tetanus, Polio ( TD/IPV)

Still Unsure?
If you are still unsure as to whether to immunise your child the following websites provide more information. Alternatively contact your Health Visitor or make an appointment with the practice nurse or doctor to discuss. 

http://www.mmrthefacts.nhs.uk 

http://www.immunisation.nhs.uk