IMMUNISATIONS
This is offered during two routine drop-in clinics for children (Mondays 2-4pm and Wednesdays 10.30am-12.00pm). There is a general vaccination clinic on Tuesday evenings for older children and adults, which is also held on a drop in basis between 5-6pm.
Please enquire at reception if you have any queries. Set out below is the new routine childhood immunisation schedule which starts from 4th September 2006
During first year of life
The 5-in-1 (DT5ap-IPV-Hib) baby vaccine helps protect babies against five major diseases ( diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, poliomyelitis and Haemophilus influenza type b). There are three doses at intervals of four weeks, starting when your baby is two months of age. A vaccine to protect against Pneumococcal infection is given at two and four months and Meningitis C vaccine is given at 3 and 4 months. A booster dose of Hib and Men C combined vaccine will be given at 12 months.
During the second year of life
Measles, Mumps and Rubella vaccine (MMR) is given as a single dose at 13 months of age. If you have any worries about some of the adverse publicity associated with this vaccine please speak to your GP or Health Visitor. Large recent studies have been very reassuring about the safety of this vaccination and there is now more concern about outbreaks of measles and mumps and a number of children who are not covered. A Pneumococcal vaccine is also given around this time.
Before school entry
The new 4-in-1 (dT5aP-IPV) booster vaccine against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis and poliomyelitis is for children aged 3-5 years of age. Ideally it is given three years after the completion of their primary course. This vaccine is also thiomersal free. A booster for the MMR is usually given at the same visit.
Between 10-18 years of age
The booster immunization against tetanus, diphtheria and poliomyelitis is given. This is ideally given ten years after the pre-school booster.
During adult life
Polio vaccine if any adult has not been previously vaccinated. Three doses at four weekly interval.
MMR vaccine for women of child bearing age who are susceptible to Rubella. Your GP or practice nurse can advise on this if unsure.
Diphtheria and tetanus vaccine for adults and adolescents if not previously immunized.
High risk groups
Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Influenza and Pneumococcal vaccination are available for people in high risk occupations or who have certain illnesses. Please discuss with your doctor if uncertain.