Don't Hesitate - Vaccinate!

Why vaccinate?

When you vaccinate your baby you are protecting your child from serious diseases like measles, polio or hepatitis, which can kill or cause lasting damage. You are also doing your bit to help stop the spread of these diseases in your community and worldwide.

What are vaccinations?

Immunisation (vaccination) is a way to trigger your immune system to recognize and efficiently fight off serious, life-threatening diseases.

In the UK, children are primarily vaccinated against ten life-threatening illnesses*. Before these vaccinations were available, hundreds of children were mamed or killed each year by these diseases. Measles is one of the leading vaccine-preventable childhood killers in the world.

•             Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (Whooping Cough), Polio, Haemophilus Influenza B (HiB), Pneumococcus, Meningitis C, Measles, Mumps and Rubella.

MMR vaccine – is it safe?

The MMR vaccine is the safest way to protect your child against measles, mumps and rubella. Measles is a very infectious virus. Nearly everyone who catches it will have a high fever, a rash and generally be unwell. The complications of measles affect one in every 15 children. The complications include chest infections, fits, encephalitis (swelling of the brain), and brain damage. In very serious cases, measles kills.

There is lots of information for parents at http://www.immunisation.nhs.uk/Vaccines/MMR

Are so many vaccinations safe for my baby?

The serious illnesses which immunisation protects us from are a particular threat to young babies, so it is important to vaccinate them as soon as possible. Also, the younger we are, the more effective is our development of immunity in response to immunisation. This is why the vaccination programme for babies begins when they are two months old. Vaccinations go through rigorous testing and approvals processes and are very safe.

What do I do?

Immunisations are provided free by the NHS. When you have had a baby, your surgery will contact you by post to let you know when your child is due to have its vaccinations, so that you can make an appointment. Your doctor or nurse will explain the immunisation process and answer any questions you may have.

Further information about vaccinations can also be found at: http://www.immunisation.nhs.uk/

You can also call NHS Direct on 0845 4647

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