CHILDHOOD VACCINATIONS

The world health organisation (WHO) recommends that all infants and children are protected against common prevailing childhood illnesses by vaccination at regular intervals.

In the UK routine childhood vaccinations are for protection against diphtheria, whooping cough, tetanus, polio, meningitis, measles, mumps rubella and pneumococcus (which can cause pneumonia and meningitis)

Vaccination against tuberculosis is selectively offered  to infants who are at higher risk of developing the disease. TB vaccination is not done in the surgery and is usually administered in  hospital soon after birth to those infants who are identified at higher risk, before returning home. 

Vaccinations are usually carried out at 2,3,4 and 12 months of age. Children also receive a preschool booster vaccination when they are aged between 3_1/2 and 5 years of age. Your baby may receive more than one vaccination at a time usually in both thighs.

Though contraction of any of these illnesses by your child usually results in a full recovery, they can feel very ill during the illness and occasionally very serious complications resulting in permanent disability can occur.

Since the introduction of the childhood vaccination programme in the UK, the prevalence of serious childhood illnesses and incidence of complications from these have dramatically declined. It is vitally important that all infants are vaccinated maintain this as not only your own child is protected, reduced prevalence would benefit the community as a whole.

Chances of adverse effects from vaccination are extremely unlikely and recent controversy in the popular press regarding this has  proved to be inaccurate.

BABY CHECKS

Infants have routine health checks at regular intervals to make sure they are developing normally and have no congenital defects.

If problems are picked up and managed early, they have better outcomes

The first check is done in hospital before they return home. Subsequent checks are carried out at routine intervals.

Your infant is recommended a check around 8 weeks of age and is usually carried out along with the first vaccination at the surgery.

HEALTH VISITORS

Health visitors are on site at the surgery during the baby clinics. They will take measurements to make sure your baby is growing as expected.

They can also give advice on certain problems your baby may be experiencing such as problems with bottle or breast feeding, colic, teething,  behavioural problems etc.

You can see the health visitor if your baby has  come to attend for a routine vaccination or you can book specifically to see them.

Health visitors usually deal with children up to school going age (5 years) after which relevant health issues are taken care of by the school nurse.