What is the Child Immunisation Schedule?
In the initial days, weeks, and months following your baby’s birth, your healthcare team, including your doctor, midwife, and health visitor, will provide you with all the essential information regarding your baby’s immunisation schedule. Immunisations are crucial for safeguarding your baby against serious infections and diseases. The NHS has meticulously developed a comprehensive immunisation schedule to ensure optimal protection, even for premature babies who generally have lower immunity compared to full-term babies.
Below, you will find detailed information about the immunisation schedule, the specific vaccinations your baby will need, and tips on how to soothe them after their jabs. Throughout your baby’s first year, they will receive several vaccinations as part of their immunisation schedule. These vaccinations will be administered by your GP, midwife or a nurse at your surgery and will be recorded in your baby’s personal child health record, commonly known as the ‘red book’.
This record is an important document that tracks your baby’s growth, development, and immunisations, ensuring that all necessary vaccinations are given on time. The immunisation schedule includes vaccines that protect against diseases such as diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, polio, Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), hepatitis B, pneumococcal infections, rotavirus, and meningococcal group B (MenB).
It is important to follow the immunisation schedule closely to provide your baby with the best possible protection. If you have any concerns or questions about the vaccinations, your healthcare team is there to support you and provide the necessary guidance. They can also offer advice on how to comfort your baby after their vaccinations, such as using a cool, damp cloth to reduce swelling at the injection site or giving them extra cuddles and attention.
By adhering to the recommended immunisation schedule, you are taking a proactive step in ensuring your baby’s health and well-being, protecting them from potentially serious diseases, and contributing to the overall health of the community.
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Baby Immunisations at 8 Weeks
At 8 weeks, your baby will receive their first dose of the 6-in-1 vaccine, with additional doses at 12 and 16 weeks. The 6-in-1 vaccine protects against:
- Diphtheria: A highly contagious infection affecting the nose, throat, and skin, which can be fatal, especially in children.
- Tetanus: A life-threatening illness caused by bacteria entering a wound, leading to breathing problems, painful muscles, and fits.
- Whooping Cough (Pertussis): A bacterial infection affecting the breathing tubes and lungs, which can cause dehydration, pneumonia, and seizures.
- Polio (IPV Vaccine): A virus with no cure that can lead to paralysis and other serious complications.
- Haemophilus Influenzae Type B (Hib): A bacterium that can cause sepsis, meningitis, hearing loss, and learning difficulties, particularly in babies and children.
- Hepatitis B: A liver infection that can be transmitted from mother to baby during pregnancy, requiring additional vaccinations after birth.
Other immunisations given at 8 weeks include:
- Meningococcal Group B Disease (MenB): This vaccine protects against serious infections like meningitis and sepsis. It is also given at 16 weeks and one year.
- Rotavirus: A highly infectious stomach bug common in babies and young children. The vaccine is administered orally, with a second dose at 12 weeks.
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Baby Immunisations at 12 Weeks
At 12 weeks, your baby will receive their second dose of the 6-in-1 vaccine, which continues to protect against six serious diseases: diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough (pertussis), polio, Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), and hepatitis B. This dose is crucial for building up your baby’s immunity against these infections.
In addition to the 6-in-1 vaccine, your baby will also receive their second and final dose of the rotavirus vaccine. This oral vaccine helps protect against rotavirus, a common cause of severe diarrhoea and vomiting in infants and young children.
Furthermore, at this stage in their vaccination schedule, your baby will be given the pneumococcal vaccine. This vaccine is essential for protecting your baby from serious diseases such as meningitis, pneumonia, and sepsis, which can be life-threatening. Ensuring your baby receives this vaccine helps to safeguard their health against these dangerous infections.
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Baby Immunisations at 16 Weeks
At 16 weeks, your baby will receive their third and final dose of the 6-in-1 vaccine. This crucial vaccination provides comprehensive protection against six serious diseases: diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough (pertussis), polio, Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), and hepatitis B. Completing this series of vaccinations is essential for ensuring your baby’s immunity against these infections.
In addition to the 6-in-1 vaccine, your baby will also receive the second dose of the Meningococcal group B (MenB) vaccine. This vaccine is vital for protecting your baby against meningitis and sepsis caused by MenB bacteria. Ensuring your baby receives this second dose helps to strengthen their defense against these potentially life-threatening conditions.
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Baby Immunisations at 12 Months
At 12 months, your baby will receive several important vaccinations to ensure they are well-protected against various serious diseases.
Firstly, your baby will be given the second dose of the pneumococcal vaccine (PCV). This vaccine is crucial for protecting against pneumococcal infections, which can lead to severe illnesses such as meningitis, pneumonia, and sepsis. By receiving this second dose, your baby’s immunity against these potentially life-threatening conditions is significantly strengthened.
Additionally, your baby will receive the third and final dose of the Meningococcal group B (MenB) vaccine. This vaccine is essential for safeguarding your baby against meningitis and sepsis caused by MenB bacteria. Completing this series of vaccinations ensures that your baby has robust protection against these dangerous infections.
Other vaccinations at this stage in the immunisation schedule include:
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Hib/Meningococcal Group C (MenC) Vaccine: This vaccine protects against Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) and meningitis C, both of which are very serious and can be fatal. The Hib/MenC vaccine is administered as a single injection and acts as a booster to enhance your baby’s protection against Hib. It also provides crucial protection against meningitis C, helping to prevent these severe infections.
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Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) Vaccine: The MMR vaccine is vital for protecting your child against measles, mumps, and rubella (German measles). These are highly infectious diseases that can lead to serious complications, including hearing loss and meningitis. Your child will receive two doses of the MMR vaccine as part of their vaccination schedule, with the first dose given at 12 months and the second dose at three years and four months. This two-dose regimen ensures comprehensive protection against these diseases.
By following the recommended immunisation schedule, you are taking important steps to protect your baby’s health and well-being. If you have any questions or concerns about the vaccinations, your healthcare provider will be able to provide you with all the information and support you need.
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3 - 4 Years Old Immunisations
For children who are between the ages of 3 and 4 years old, it is highly recommended that they receive a comprehensive pre-school vaccination. This vaccination schedule includes immunizations against several serious diseases, such as diphtheria, tetanus, acellular pertussis (commonly known as whooping cough), and polio. These vaccines are essential in building and maintaining immunity against these potentially life-threatening illnesses, ensuring that your child is well-protected as they grow and develop.
In addition to these immunizations, it is also important for children in this age group to receive a booster dose of the MMR vaccine. The MMR vaccine provides protection against three significant viral infections: measles, mumps, and rubella. Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that can lead to serious complications, mumps can cause painful swelling of the salivary glands and other complications, and rubella, also known as German measles, can cause severe birth defects if a woman contracts the disease while pregnant.
Administering these vaccinations at the pre-school age is a critical step in safeguarding your child’s health. By ensuring that your child receives these vaccines, you are taking proactive measures to protect them from these serious diseases. Vaccinations not only protect your child but also contribute to the overall health of the community by preventing the spread of infectious diseases.
These vaccines have been extensively tested and have a strong safety record, making them a reliable and effective means of protection. Health professionals worldwide advocate for these vaccinations as part of routine immunization schedules for young children. The benefits of these vaccines extend beyond individual protection, playing a significant role in public health efforts to control and eliminate these diseases.
In summary, ensuring that children aged 3 to 4 years old receive their pre-school vaccinations, including immunizations against diphtheria, tetanus, acellular pertussis, and polio, as well as a booster dose of the MMR vaccine, is a vital measure in maintaining their health and well-being. These proactive steps are essential in preventing the spread of serious infections and safeguarding the health of the community as a whole.
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12 - 13 Years Old Immunisations
For children who are between the ages of 12 and 13, it is strongly advised that they receive the HPV (Human Papillomavirus) vaccine. This vaccination is of paramount importance as it offers protection against the Human Papillomavirus, a virus that is known to cause a variety of cancers, including cervical cancer, as well as other health issues such as genital warts. The vaccination process typically involves a series of two doses, which are administered over a period of six to twelve months.
Receiving the HPV vaccine at this age is particularly beneficial because it allows children to develop immunity before they are likely to be exposed to the virus. This proactive measure is a critical component of safeguarding their long-term health and well-being. By ensuring that children are vaccinated against HPV, parents and guardians can help prevent the onset of serious health conditions later in life.
Moreover, the HPV vaccine has been extensively studied and has a strong safety record, making it a reliable and effective means of protection. Health professionals worldwide advocate for this vaccination as part of routine immunization schedules for preteens. The benefits of the HPV vaccine extend beyond individual protection, contributing to broader public health efforts to reduce the prevalence of HPV-related diseases.
In summary, the HPV vaccine is a vital tool in the fight against certain types of cancer and other health issues caused by the Human Papillomavirus. Administering this vaccine to children aged 12 to 13 years old is a proactive step that plays a significant role in maintaining their overall health and well-being, both now and in the future.
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15 Years Old Immunisations
When adolescents reach the age of 15, it becomes crucial for them to receive a booster vaccination that offers protection against tetanus, polio, and diphtheria. This booster is essential for maintaining immunity against these serious diseases, ensuring that they remain protected as they continue to grow and develop. The booster vaccination helps to reinforce the body’s defenses, providing continued protection against these potentially life-threatening illnesses.
In addition to the tetanus, polio, and diphtheria booster, it is also highly recommended that adolescents receive the MenACWY vaccine. This particular vaccine is designed to protect against four strains of the meningococcal bacteria: A, C, W, and Y. These bacteria can cause severe and sometimes fatal illnesses, such as meningitis and septicemia. Meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, while septicemia is a serious bloodstream infection. Both conditions can have devastating consequences if not promptly treated.
Administering these vaccines at the age of 15 is a critical step in safeguarding the health of adolescents. By receiving these vaccinations, they are not only protecting themselves but also contributing to the overall health of the community. Vaccinations help to prevent the spread of infections, reducing the risk of outbreaks and protecting those who may be more vulnerable to these diseases.
Furthermore, these vaccines have been thoroughly tested and have a strong safety record, making them a reliable and effective means of protection. Health professionals around the world advocate for these vaccinations as part of routine immunization schedules for teenagers. The benefits of these vaccines extend beyond individual protection, playing a significant role in public health efforts to control and eliminate these diseases.
In summary, ensuring that adolescents receive the booster vaccination for tetanus, polio, and diphtheria, as well as the MenACWY vaccine, at the age of 15 is a vital measure in maintaining their health and well-being. These proactive steps are essential in preventing the spread of serious infections and safeguarding the health of the community as a whole.
In addition to the standard vaccination schedule, practices also provide the HPV (Human Papillomavirus) vaccine for girls aged 11 to 18 who may have missed receiving it during their school years. This vaccine is crucial in protecting against the Human Papillomavirus, which is known to cause various types of cancers, including cervical cancer, as well as other health issues such as genital warts. By offering the HPV vaccine to this age group, practices ensures that these young women have the opportunity to receive this important protection, even if they were unable to get vaccinated at school.
Furthermore, it is important to note that adults who have received a total of five tetanus injections over the course of their lifetime do not require any additional booster doses. Tetanus, also known as lockjaw, is a serious bacterial infection that affects the nervous system and can lead to severe muscle stiffness and spasms. The tetanus vaccine is highly effective in preventing this disease, and five doses are sufficient to provide long-term immunity. This means that once an individual has completed the five-dose series, they can be confident that they are protected against tetanus without the need for further boosters.
By offering these additional vaccination services, practices are committed to ensuring the health and well-being of both young women and adults in the community. The availability of the HPV vaccine for girls who missed it at school and the reassurance that adults do not need further tetanus boosters after five doses are important aspects of comprehensive healthcare. These measures help to prevent the spread of infections and protect individuals from serious health conditions, contributing to the overall health of the community.