Immunisations

Why should I immunise my child?

All babies are born with a little natural immunity to disease, but immunisation can offer considerable additional protection against certain serious illnesses.

Without immunisation, children are much more vulnerable to serious infections such as meningitis C and polio. Child health specialists agree that the benefits of immunisation far outweigh the small risk of side-effects.

When does immunisation begin?

At two months, even if your baby is born prematurely. This is when a baby's natural immunity to illness, obtained from the mother, begins to diminish. Your health visitor will tell you when local immunisation sessions are taking place, but if this isn't possible for you, your health visitor or GP will be able to immunise your baby at other times.

Diphtheria

An acute, contagious bacterial infection, which begins with a sore throat, then leads to respiratory problems and difficulty swallowing, followed by possible damage to the heart and nervous system. It's rare in Western countries. Learn more about diptheria.

Tetanus (lockjaw)

An infectious disease caused by bacterial spores often found in soil, which enter the body through cuts or burns on the skin. It causes painful muscular contractions, rigidity and spasms, first in the jaw and neck, and then in the chest, back and lower body. In extreme cases, there can be severe breathing difficulties. Learn more about tetanus.

Pertussis (whooping cough)

An acute respiratory infection with symptoms of exhausting and severe cough, which can cause choking, vomiting and interrupted breathing. Pneumonia is a common complication. Learn more about pertussis.

Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib)

Hib is an infection that can cause several illnesses, the most important of which is bacterial meningitis. Before the introduction of the vaccine, Hib was the leading cause of meningitis in under-twos.

Invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD)

Caused by any one of a number of pneumococcal bacteria, commonly found in the nose and throat, and spread principally by coughing or sneezing. It can lead to pneumococcal meningitis, septicaemia and pneumonia.

Polio

An acute viral disease that attacks the nervous system. The polio virus is transmitted through human faeces, so is a problem in developing countries with poor sanitation. Immunisation has eradicated polio in the UK. Learn more about polio.

Measles

Infectious virus that auses a rash, high fever and in severe cases can kill. One in 15 children with measles is at risk of complications, which can include fits, chest infections and brain damage. Learn more about measles.

Meningococcal C conjugate (MenC)

Meningococcal group C is a type of bacteria that can cause meningitis and septicaemia. The MenC vaccine doesn't protect against meningitis caused by other bacteria or by viruses. Learn more about meningitis.

Mumps

Mumps virus causes fever, headache and vomiting, followed by the notorious symptoms of swollen glands in the face and neck. The swelling usually disappears within days, but in some cases can spread to affect other parts of the body, such as the brain (causing a form of meningitis) and the testicles. Learn more about mumps.

Rubella (German measles)

Mild and unlikely to cause your child harm. Symptoms are a swollen neck and a widespread pink rash. It's particularly important that girls are immunised against rubella because it can harm the unborn child of a pregnant woman with the disease. Learn more about rubella.

The safety record of all vaccines is excellent, and the risk of serious side effects or complications is very low compared with those associated with the diseases themselves. Mild versions of the symptoms associated with the disease being vaccinated against are occasional side effects. Allergic responses are very rare.

Speak to your doctor or health visitor if you're concerned that your child is having an adverse reaction to a vaccine.

DTaP/IPV/Hib

The vaccines against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio and Hib may cause redness and swelling on the site of vaccination, which lasts a few days. Babies may have a mild fever for up to ten days following the jabs.

PCV

Redness and inflammation at the injection site affects about one in seven children. Mild symptoms of irritability, raised temperature and digestive disturbance may occur.

MenC

Swelling and redness at the injection site is common. Some toddlers have disturbed sleep and some a light fever within a few days of their jab. Older children may complain of a mild headache.

MMR

Cold symptoms, a fever and swollen salivary glands may be noticed in children any time from a few days to three weeks after their MMR jab. Some may develop a rash or lose their appetite for up to ten days.

What protection do vaccines offer?

Normally, after a completed vaccination programme, your child should have lifelong protection against polio, probable lifelong protection against measles, mumps, rubella and meningitis C, at least ten years' protection against diphtheria and tetanus, and at least three against whooping cough.

Children immunised against whooping cough who catch the disease later in life will experience a milder form.

PCV protects against seven common strains of pneumococcal bacteria that cause about four-fifths of all IPD in children. The vaccine is 96 per cent effective against these forms. PCV also helps prevent pneumonia and otitis media (ear infections).

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