Blog: Childhood Vaccinations by Dr William Wadman

 

What are vaccinations?

  • Vaccinations help your child’s immune system to produce antibodies which fight infections
  • Depending on the vaccination given, this will either be in the form of an injection into the arm or leg, an oral solution, or a spray into the nose
child vaccine
 

Why are vaccinations important?

  • Vaccinations help to protect not only your baby, but others in your community from many potentially fatal diseases. This is known as ‘herd immunity’.
  • Vaccines prevent millions of deaths worldwide every year.
 

When does my child need them?

The vaccination schedule is as below. All are given as injections into either the arm or leg unless stated otherwise

Age 8 weeks

  • 6 in 1 (diptheria, tetanus, polio, hepatitis B, HiB, whooping cough)
  • Rotavirus (given as oral liquid)
  • MenB

Age 12 weeks

  • 6 in 1
  • Rotavirus
  • Pneumococcal

Age 16 weeks

  • 6 in 1
  • MenB

Age 1 year

  • MenB
  • Pneumococcal
  • Hib/MenC
  • MMR

Age 2-15 years

  • Flu (may be given as a nasal spray)

Age 3 years 4 months

  • MMR

Age 12-13 years

  • 4 in 1 booster (diptheria, tetanus, polio, whooping cough)

Age 14 years

  • 3 in 1 booster (diptheria, tetanus, polio)
  • MenACWY
 

Are there any risks?

Vaccinations go through thorough tests and trials over long periods of time to ensure their safety. However, like with all medicines there are a small number of side effects

  • Serious allergic reactions to vaccinations are very rare. If your child were to develop one this usually happens within minutes and the vaccinator will be trained in managing this
  • There is no link between the MMR vaccine and autism
  • Seek medical advice if you are concerned about any reactions to a vaccine.
 

What to expect after vaccinations

After a vaccine your baby may cry for a short while but usually settles with a cuddle or feed. Most babies don’t have any other reactions but some may.

  • Redness/swelling at the vaccine site which usually lasts 2-3 days
  • Babies can get a fever after a vaccine – particularly common after the MenB vaccine
    • Do not put them in the bath
    • Do not sponge them down
    • Do not put a fan on them
  • After the MenB vaccine you should give your baby 3 doses of paracetamol, the first given as soon after the vaccine as possible, and the next 4 hours apart. This is to try and prevent a fever.
  • The MMR vaccine can cause a delayed set of symptoms, usually around six to ten days later, with a fever, rash, and a loss of appetite. It can also cause fever and swollen glands up to two to three weeks later. Your child is not infectious to others and these is your child responding to the vaccine.
 

Any advice for parents/carers?

  • Remember to take your child’s ‘red book’ to their appointments.
  • You can hold your child on your lap whilst the vaccinations are given
  • If your child is under 1 year of age the vaccinations are often injected into the thigh; it can be helpful to dress them in clothes that are easy to take off
  • Vaccinations are often given in the upper arm once your child is over the age of 1; wearing short sleeves can be helpful with this
  • It is advised to give your child liquid paracetamol after having the MenB vaccination at 8 and 16 weeks
 

References

Published: Mar 26, 2025