The vaccinations which children receive in their early years – between birth and when they first go to school – are very important in helping them build protection against infections such as meningitis, diphtheria, polio, measles and mumps.
These diseases are in circulation and an infection can cause serious complications, particularly for a child. It is not only the child who is protected, vaccination programmes protect the whole population by making it harder for a disease to spread to others.
It is particularly important children are fully up-to-date with all their jabs before they start school for the first time, which is when they come into contact with more potential sources of infection.
The vast majority of parents do ensure their child has been fully protected, but there are many children who are missing doses and are therefore at risk.
More information is available on the NHS Choices website and, if in any doubt that your child is missing important vaccinations, you should speak to one of our practice nurses.
Play your part and help spread the message to family and friends and help to ensure children are fully protected.
Vaccines don't overload a child: watch animation video here.
Measles
Across England, on average one in ten children are not up to date with their MMR vaccinations, with some areas of the country as low as two in five, putting thousands of children at risk of catching measles and the disease spreading in unvaccinated communities.
Just two doses of the MMR vaccine gives you and your family lifelong protection against catching measles. The first vaccine is given at age one year an the second at age 3 years and 4 months old. If you’ve missed any doses it’s not too late to catch up. Contact you’re GP Practice today to book an appointment to get up to date.
If you are unsure if you or your child are up to date check your child's red book or GP records and make an appointment to catch up any missed doses.
For more information on the NHS vaccination schedule, please visit.
Vaccination tips for parents and carers
Click here for practical advice for parents who want vaccinations without tears, including how to dress your child and choosing pain relief. You can also find out which vaccinations are offered on the NHS and at what age they should be given to protect your child.
Click here for a video from CBeebies 'Get Well Soon' Programme. Information from the website states -
Presented by real-life paediatrician Dr Ranj Singh, the series will help children to understand their bodies and to see the medical world as an environment in which they feel safe.
We caught up with Dr Ranj to find out about his experiences working with children, how the series manages to find humour in being ill, and how visiting the doctor can be a positive experience'.
What to expect after vaccinations:
Click here for a useful leaflet that describes the common side effects of vaccinations that may occur in babies and young children up to five years of age.