Immunisation

Babies are born with some natural immunity which they get from their mother, and through breast feeding. This gradually wears off as the babies’ own immune system
starts to develop. Having your child immunised gives extra protection against illness which can cause breathing problems, brain damage, meningitis or paralysis.
Immunisation prepares babies to fight against disease in case they come into contact with them in the future, by producing (protection) antibodies; antibodies are
part of the body’s defence mechanism against illness and disease. (Some immunisations have to be given more than once) to build up protection or “top up” the level of antibodies, this is called a booster.

All immunisations except polio, are given with a small needle usually into the thigh. Children may cry and be upset for a few minutes, but they usually settle down after a
cuddle. If you do not 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.

Before you have your child immunised be sure to tell the doctor or nurse if your child:

· Has had any other immunisation in the last month
· Is unwell on the day of immunisation, they may still be able to have the immunisation
· Has had a severe reaction to any vaccine
· Has any severe allergies, e.g. to eggs
· Has a bleeding disorder
· Suffers from convulsions, or any close family member
· Is taking steroids (e.g. prednislolone)
· Has had immunoglobulin or a blood transfusion in the last 3 months
· Has a disease or is having cancer treatment which causes low immunity, e.g. leukaemia, cancer, HIV / AIDS, radiotherapy or chemotherapy.

Common side effects of immunisation and what to do about them:

DPT / Hib
DIPTHERIA, PERTUSSIS (WHOOPING COUGH), TETANUS
HAEMOPHILUS INFLUENZA (which also protects against one form of meningitis)

The following may occur soon after immunisation and may last up to 2 days:

Low grade fever
Irritable, unsettled, generally unhappy
Soreness, swelling, redness at injection site

MMR
MEASLES, MUMPS, RUBELLA

Discomfort at the injection site may occur.
The following may occur 5 to 12 days after immunisation and last less than 48 hours:

Low grade fever
Faint rash (not infectious)
Head cold and/or runny nose
Cough and/puffy eyes
Swelling of the facial glands may occur about 3 weeks after immunisation
Meningitis C

What to do

Give extra fluids to drink
Do not overdress baby if hot
Sponge/bath with lukewarm water
A cold wet bath on the injection site will help relieve some discomfort
Give paracetamol to lower fever if needed
If not settled check with GP

MENINGITIS C

Redness, swelling, pain at injection site
Fever, crying, irritability
Drowsiness
Impaired feeding, loss of appetite
Diarrhoea and vomiting

If you are worried about any of the above please contact your GP/Health Visitor or Ward 5 or NHS Direct

Contact Numbers:

Ward 5 direct line: 2275005, or 2824598 (closed between 2.00 am and 8.00 am)
NHS Direct 08454647