Toddler Health - Immunisations
Your child will be offered a series of vaccinations from 2 months of age. These vaccines prevent diseases that can have serious consequences.
You will receive a letter telling you when your child is due to have the vaccination, you then phone your surgery or health centre to make an appointment. You will need to take your child's health record (red book) with you.
Should my child have their immunisations if they are ill?
If your child has a fever then you will need to postpone your child's appointment until they have recovered.
Are their any reasons my child should not have their immunisations?
- If your child has a bleeding disorder or has had a fit that was not caused by/had during a fever, then you will need to consult your GP or health visitor before they have any vaccinations
- If they have had an anaphylactic reaction to either a previous vaccine dose or to neomycin, streptomycin or polymyxin B.
- As MMR is a live vaccine, it shouldn't be given to children who are receiving treatment for conditions such as cancer or a transplant or have a condition that affects the immune system. You will need to speak to your GP or health visitor if your child suffers from any of these conditions.
Which diseases will my child be vaccinated against and when?
2 months; Diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough (pertussis), polio, Hib and pneumococcal infection.
3 months; Diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, polio, Hib and meningitis C.
4 months; Diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, polio, Hib, meningitis C and pneumococcal infection.
12 months; Hib and meningitis C.
13 months; Measles, mumps and rubella ( MMR) and pneumococcal infection.
3 years and 4 months; Diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, polio, measles, mumps and rubella.
13 to 18 years; Tetanus, diphtheria and polio.
Where will my child's injection be given?
Your child will have the injection in either their thigh or upper arm. If two vaccines are being given they are usually done at the same time, one in each leg. At 4 months they receive three vaccines, they are usually done two together and then the third straight after.
Will my child suffer any side effects from the vaccines?
Your child may be off colour after their immunisations. You can give Calpol to combat any symptoms. If you are concerned about your child then contact your GP or out of hours surgery.
For more information:
www.immunisation.nhs.uk/Vaccines/MMR
or call NHS Direct: 0845 4647
