Immunisations protect babies and children against disabling, even deadly diseases.
During your visits to the doctor during your baby's first year of life, a dose of one or more vaccines will probably be given.
They protect your child against the following diseases:
- Diphtheria, tetanus (lockjaw), pertussis (whooping cough)
- Hepatitis B
- Haemophilus influenzae b (sometimes called Hib), an infection which can cause bacterial meningitis, epiglottitis, pneumonia and joint infection
- Polio
- Measles, mumps and rubella.
Although vaccines sometimes cause minor reactions such as swelling at the site of the infection, rash or fever, severe reactions are rare.
There are risks to immunisations, but you have to weigh the risks versus the benefit and then make your decision. - Staff doctor