Childhood Vaccinations

Why is it important to vaccinate children?
By having the child vaccinated, many serious diseases may be avoided. When the child is vaccinated, the body's immune system reacts towards the vaccine and forms a protection against the diseases that are vaccinated against.

Some parents` focus on the side effects of the vaccines instead of concentrating on the type of diseases the child is protected from. It is important to underline the fact that the risk of serious complications in connection with the vaccines is very low compared to the risk if the child actually falls ill with one of the diseases.

Should children be vaccinated if they have a fever?
No. When children have a fever, the vaccination should be postponed. If the child just has an ordinary cold, but their temperature is normal, it is safe for them to be vaccinated.

What are the side effects of the different types of vaccinations?
Allergy to the vaccines is very rare. The vaccines for diphtheria-tetanus-whooping cough, Hib and diphtheria-tetanus may cause a red area and swelling to occur on the vaccination spot. However, it will disappear within a few days. A fever may also be noticed on the day of the jabs and for 7 to 10 days later.

The MMR vaccine may cause a brief reaction that may begin at any time from a few days to three weeks after the vaccination. The child may have symptoms like the diseases that are being vaccinated against, but only in a mild form. That is, a cold, a skin reaction, a fever and perhaps swollen salivary glands. The child will not be contagious. 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.

How long will a child be protected by the vaccinations?
After a completed vaccination programme, the child will be protected from:

• 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): over the time that has elapsed since the vaccine was first developed, it would appear to offer long-lasting protection that is very probably life long.
• Meningitis C: would appear to offer long-lasting protection that is very probably life long.