YOUR BABY’S HEALTH
Immunisation
This table shows the recommendations for immunisation for babies up to 12 to 15 months. (Further immunisations are required between the ages of one year and 18 years.)
Four months
• Polio (by mouth).
• DTP (diphtheria/tetanus/pertussis), and the Hib form of meningitis (one injection).
After birth
Hepatitisonly given if mother is carrier
Three months
• Polio (by mouth).
• DTP (diphtheria/tetanus/pertussis) and Hib form of
meningitis (one injection)
12-15 months
• MMR (measles/mumps/rubellaGerman measles).
The Hib vaccine is given to prevent meningitis, but it doesn't prevent meningitis Cfor which a vaccine was introduced in 1999. At present, there is no vaccine against the B strain.
Immunisations can be postponed if the baby is acutely ill when the immunisation is due. If your baby has snuffles or a cough, but no temperature, you needn't delay an immunisation. Your practice nurse will advise you. Booster doses may not be given if there was a severe reaction to a previous dose.
Babies are very often grumpy and even have a mild fever after immunisation. It is also normal for the injection site to be swollen. Make sure you have paracetamol in the house when you baby is immunised and give the recommended dose for their age. This should help him or her settle. (It's worth watching out for a fever five to 11 days after the MMR vaccination and giving paracetamol if your baby's temperature goes up.) Periodically scares involving vaccines are reported in the press. Your GP should give you an up-to-date, unbiased opinion, but you can also talk to a doctor from the community paediatric team (arranged through your health visitor).
Two months
• Polio (by mouth).
• DTP (diphtheria/tetanus/pertussiswhooping cough) and Hib form of meningitis (one injection).