Childhood vaccinations

Reviewed by Dr Stuart Crisp, specialist registrar

School leavers (13-18 years)

Name of vaccine	How is it given?
Diphtheria + Tetanus + Polio (Revaxis)	One injection

The BCG vaccine to prevent tuberculosis is no longer given routinely to school-age children. Instead, the vaccine is now only recommended for infants and children at high risk of the disease.

Why is it important to vaccinate my child?

Vaccination can prevent your child from getting serious diseases that can kill or cause long-term health problems.

A vaccine works by containing a tiny part of the virus or bacteria that causes the disease. When the vaccine is given, the body's immune system reacts towards the vaccine and forms a protection (antibodies) against it. These antibodies will be ready to protect your child should he or she ever come into contact with that infection.

Immunisation helps to prevent outbreaks and epidemics of these infectious diseases.

What if my child has a fever?

When children have a fever, the vaccination should be postponed. If your child has an ordinary cold, but their temperature is normal, it is safe for the vaccine to be given.

What are the side-effects of the vaccinations?

No vaccine is free from side-effects. Some parents focus on the side-effects of the vaccines instead of the diseases your child is protected against.

The risk of serious complications from the vaccines is always much lower than the risk if your child falls ill with one of the diseases.

Allergy to the vaccines is very rare.

The vaccines against diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, polio and Hib may cause a red area and swelling at the vaccination spot. This will disappear within a few days. Your child may get a fever on the day of the jab and for up to 10 days later.

The MMR vaccine may cause a brief reaction that can begin from a few days to three weeks after vaccination. Your child may get mild symptoms like the diseases that are being vaccinated against, eg cold, skin reaction, fever or swollen salivary glands. Your child will not be contagious. The link between the MMR jab and Crohn's disease and autism has not been proven.

The meningitis C vaccine may have the following effects.

Babies: some swelling and redness where the injection is given.

Toddlers over 12 months: some swelling and redness where the injection is given. About one in four toddlers may have disturbed sleep. About 1 in 20 toddlers may have a mild fever.

Pre-school children: about 1 in 20 may have some swelling at the injection site. About 1 in 50 may have a mild fever within a few days of the vaccination.

Children and young people: about one in four may have some swelling and redness at the injection site. About 1 in 50 may have a mild fever. About 1 in 100 may have a very sore arm from the injection, which may last a day or so.

On very rare occasions, vaccinations may cause serious complications.

How long will my child be protected by the vaccinations?

After completing the programme, your child will be protected from the following.

Diphtheria and tetanus: for at least 10 years, or possibly longer.

Whooping cough: for at least three years. However, this is still being studied. If those who have been vaccinated do get the disease in later life, it is a milder version.

Cerebrospinal meningitis: long-term protection.

Polio: life-long protection.

Measles, mumps and rubella (German measles): would appear to offer long-lasting protection that is very probably lifelong.

Meningitis C: would appear to offer long-lasting protection that is very probably lifelong.

Where can I find out more?

Your doctor, nurse, health visitor or pharmacist will be able to answer any questions you may have about your child's vaccinations.

There is also helpful information at www.immunisation.nhs.uk.

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