Vaccinations, immunisations, jabs or injections help to develop your child's immune system so they can fight against certain diseases.
Due to vaccinations in childhood, diseases such as tetanus, diptheria and polio are very rare in the UK, but it is still important to protect your child against these diseases by getting them vaccinated.
You should follow the UK's Immunisation Schedule to make sure your child has had all the necessary vaccinations:
2 Months Diptheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), polio and haemophilius influenzae type b in a combined injection known as DTap/IPV/Hib
Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) which protects agains pneumonia, septicaemia and meningitis.
3 MonthsDTap/IPV/Hib
Meningitis C (MenC).
4 MonthsDTap/IPV/Hib
PCV
MenC.
12-13 MonthsMeasles, mumps and rubella in a combined injection called MMR
PCV
H.influenzae type b and meningitis C in a combined injection (Hib/MenC).
3-5 YearsDiptheria, tetanus, pertussis and polio in a combined injection (dTaP/IPV)
MMR.
Girls Aged 12-13 YearsCervical cancer (HPV) split into three separate injections - the second one 1-2 months, and third one 6 months after the first.
13-18 YearsDiptheria, tetanus and polio (Td/IPV).
Some babies considered at high risk are given a BCG injection for protection against tuberculosis, or immunisation against Hepatitis B, shortly after they are born. If this applies to your baby, you will be given more information by your doctor.
Before your child starts school, they will usually be immunised either at your doctor's surgery or local child health clinic. Once your child is in school, the vaccinations usually take place there. The school will contact you before your child is given any immunisation.
Flu JabsSome children find it difficult to fight off flu, or are at greater risk of developing complications as a result of flu. It is recommended that these children have a flu jab each year at the start of the flu season. Your child may need the flu jab if they suffer one of the following conditions:
Respiratory disease such as chronic asthma, bronchitis, cystic fibrosis or emphysema
Kidney disease including nephrotic syndrome or on dialysis
Diabetes mellitus
Immunosuppression due to disease or treatment
Children without a spleen or whose spleen does not work properly
June 2011 | 
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