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It is normal for
you and your child to come into contact with bacteria and viruses on a regular basis. Some
of these microbes can cause serious problems. Immunisation protects your
baby from serious diseases and illnesses. It is safe and easy to administer.
How immunisation can
help…
When you are
vaccinated, your body responds by creating antibodies that defend it against that disease
in the future. It builds up a defence system that destroys the bacteria and viruses before
they cause illness.
Which diseases
should
you be immunised against…
Whooping Cough (pertussis) - this is an
infectious disease spread by coughing and sneezing. Breathing becomes difficult with
distinctive coughing spasms. This can be fatal for children and babies.
Diphtheria - this
is a bacterial infection spread by droplets from the nose. The bacteria produces a toxin
which spreads throughout the body and causes heart failure or paralysis.
Polio - a
virus of the gastrointestinal area. A serious disease which is not under control however
it can make another appearance if children are not vaccinated from it.
Tetanus
- caused by a bacteria made toxin which is found in soil and animal manure.
Serious side effects are spasms, lockjaw, breathing problems and convulsions.
Mumps
- virus spread by saliva. Is serious if complications set in - such as swollen
brain and infertility.
Measles
- caused by a virus. Highly infectious and spread by coughing and droplets from nasal
passages. Can have serious side effects and complications can cause encephalitis or
pneumonia.
Rubella (German measles) - dangerous if spread to
pregnant women. Therefore very important to have your child immunised against it.
Hib - a
bacterial infection that can cause other more serious diseases in children and infants.
Hepatitis B - this immunisation is available for your
baby. It is a virus that attacks the liver and can be the cause of liver cancer.
These diseases are very
serious and can often be fatal. Your child needs protection from them from an early age.
When does Your Child
need to be immunised …
Age and what to get
immunised against…
2 months diphtheria,
tetanus, whooping cough, polio, Hib.
4 months
diphtheria,
tetanus, whooping cough, polio, Hib
6 months diphtheria,
tetanus, whooping cough, polio, Hib
12 months measles, mumps,
rubella
18 months
diphtheria,
tetanus, Hib
4 - 5 years
diphtheria,
tetanus, whooping cough, polio
10-16 years measles,
mumps, rubella, hep B
one month later hep B (2nd
dose)
six months later hep B
15-19yrs diphtheria, tetanus
every 10 years
diphtheria, tetanus
Are there any side effects
involved…
a slight fever
a sore arm
feeling a little unwell
Are there times when you
should not have your baby immunised…
Not many… Always tell
your doctor if your child has a fever and is quite sick, is having any form of treatment
that can affect their immune system, has a disease such as AIDS/HIV,
Leukaemia, cancer. Your doctor will be able to recommend the
appropriate course of action.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
- There
are some who worry that the whooping cough immunisation may cause brain damage in
children. There have been studies conducted which show that this is probably not the case.
If it were true, the chances would be less than one in a million. However, it is reported
that for every 300 children who are not immunised against whooping cough and are
unfortunate enough to catch the disease, two will probably develop encephalitis
(inflammation of the brain) and one will die.
This points out that
it is more important to get your child immunised.
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