...about immunisation

Vaccines have been developed to protect people against diseases that can cause serious illness. Because vaccines have been so successful, you can now expect your immunised child to avoid getting diseases such as polio, whooping cough and measles. The result of this success has been that some diseases, like polio, no longer occur in the UK. But in other countries where immunisation is not so widely available, this is not the case. As more and more people travel abroad, there is a risk that these diseases could be brought back into the country and spread to people who have not been immunised.

Your child should have their first immunisation when he or she is 2 months old. Your health visitor, practice nurse or GP will make an appointment with you, or they will send you an appointment inviting you to bring your child for immunisation. Most surgeries and health centres run special immunisation or baby clinics and there is often a 'drop-in' facility at other times for parents who can't get to the clinic during the day. Remember, all childhood immunisations are free.

Immunisation prepares our bodies to fight against diseases in case we come into contact with them in the future. For example, immunisation against polio stimulates the immune system to produce antibodies against polio. If your child ever comes into contact with polio, the polio antibodies will recognise the disease and be ready to fight it.

Babies are born with some natural immunity which they get from their mother and through breastfeeding. This gradually wears off as the baby's own immune system starts to develop. Having your child immunised gives extra protection against illnesses which can kill.

Some immunisations have to be given more than once to build up immunity (protection) or keep the level of antibodies topped up. This 'top up' is called a booster.

All immunisations, except polio, are given with a small needle into the upper arm, thigh or buttock. Children may cry and be upset for a few minutes, but they usually settle down after a cuddle. If you don't want to be in the room when your child has the injection, tell the nurse or doctor beforehand. Some parents find it helpful to take a friend or partner to hold the child during the injection.

There are very few reasons why a child should not be immunised.
You must let your health visitor, doctor or nurse know if your child:

• has a high fever
• has had a bad reaction to another immunisation
• has had, or is having, treatment for cancer
• has a bleeding disorder - one that some children get is called ITP
• has had a severe reaction after eating eggs (see page 12), or
• has had convulsions (fits) in the past. (With the right advice, children who have had fits in the past can be immunised.)

You should also let your health visitor, doctor or nurse know if your child or any other close family member:

• has any illness which affects the immune system, for example, HIV or AIDS, or
• is taking any medicine which affects the immune system, for example, immunosuppressants (given after organ transplant or for malignant disease) or high-dose steroids.
  

Before any vaccine can be used it has to go through many tests. Research from all over the world shows that vaccines are the safest way of protecting your child's health. Each vaccine is continually checked after it has been introduced and action is taken if it is needed. If a vaccine is not safe it is not used.

All children are different. Most will not be affected. Sometimes redness and swelling may develop where the injection was given. But do not worry, it will slowly disappear. A few children may be unwell and irritable and develop a headache or temperature.
Very rarely, children can have allergic reactions straight after immunisation. If the child is treated quickly, he or she will recover fully. People giving immunisations are trained to deal with allergic reactions.

Treat a fever by doing the following:

• Keep your child cool by gently sponging him or her with lukewarm (not cold) water. Let the water dry on the skin.
• Make sure your child does not have too many layers of clothes or blankets on.
• Give your child extra drinks.
• Give your child Paracetamol liquid, such as Calpol, Disprol or Medinol. Read the instructions on the bottle carefully and give the dose according to your child's age. For babies it is helpful to use a special medicine syringe so you can measure the dose accurately. Ask your pharmacist for one. If necessary, give your child a second dose 4 to 6 hours later. If their temperature is still up, ask your doctor for advice.

Do not give aspirin to children under 12 years of age.

Some health visitors, nurses and doctors may tell you to give your child a dose of Paracetamol when you get home after an immunisation. In many cases this will prevent your child developing a fever.

Follow your instincts and speak to your doctor if you are worried about your child.

These diseases still exist in many parts of the world and there are still cases in this country. If your child is not immunised, he or she is still at risk.

Immunisation doesn't just protect your child and your family, it protects the whole community, especially those children who can't be immunised.

By immunising as many people as possible, fewer people will catch diseases. So the diseases will get rarer and rarer. With effective immunisation programmes, some diseases, for example, polio, mumps and measles, will disappear.