| Immunisation is
the only effective way to protect your child against many harmful
diseases. It means your child will be far less likely to catch
any disease if exposed to it. For most, this benefit far outweighs
the very small risks involved. Immunisation is also important
to help eradicate disease. If enough people are immunised, then
infection will no longer be spread in the community, and the disease
dies out.
How is immunisation done?
For Polio, Sabin oral vaccine is given by mouth
- a few drops of pleasantly flavoured syrup on a spoon. For diptheria,
tetanus and whooping cough a combined vaccine (DTPa or DTPw) is
given by injection - a quick prick from the needle, over in a
few seconds. Measles and rubella vaccine are also given by injection. |
Will baby have a reaction to the injection?
There are sometimes mild side effects to the triple antigen vaccine.
These may include some local redness, tenderness and swelling at the site of the injection
during the 48 hour period which follows it. There may also be slight nausea, fretfulness
and feverishness. Major reactions are extremely rare.
Possible reactions to measles immunisation include fever, rash and stuffy
nose about 5-12 days after the injection. These symptoms last 2-3 days, do not cause much
discomfort and normally do not require treatment. The child is not infectious.
Products containing aspirin are not recommended for
children 12 years and under (or teenagers between 12-17 years with fever,
influenza or chicken pox). Children's Panadol® Drops, Elixir or Colourfree
Suspension may be given four hourly after immunisation if necessary to minimise fever and
discomfort associated with the immunisation.
What if the course is interrupted?
A full course of immunisation will still give
protection when completed, even if it does not strictly follow
the Health Commission's recommended schedule.
What if the child is older?
Although two months is the recommended starting
age, immunisation will be equally effective if commenced in older
children. The early start is advised because whooping cough is
most serious in young babies. Immunisation can still ensure protection
for children over eight years and adults, provided the vaccine
appropriate to their age is used. |
Are there any
special precautions to take when immunising?
If a child has diarrhoea, Sabin oral vaccine
should not be given. If a child vomits within two hours of taking
Sabin oral vaccine, the dose should be repeated. Before you have
your child immunised, please tell the doctor if your child:
- Is suffering from any sickness or allergy;
- Has had a severe reaction to a previous immunisation such
as a persistent screaming or persistent vomiting, or collapse,
or convulsion, or fever exceeding 39°C;
- Has ever had fits, or if other members of the family have
an illness of the nervous system or convulsions;
- Has had a blood transfusion or an injection of gamma globulin
in the last three months;
- Is under treatment with a cortisone-like drug.
Special Note
For some children the Hepatitis B vaccine may
also be recommended. Please consult your doctor for advice.
Where to go for immunisation?
- Your doctor, or
- Your local council, or
- Community Health Centres in some Health Regions
Helpful Tips
- Children's Panadol® has been found to be effective in treating the side effects of
vaccines such as pain & fever. The need for Children's Panadol® after vaccination depends on
your child’s reaction to the vaccine.
- As paracetamol is an antipyretic it works to reduce fever. If high temperatures persist for
more than two days you should seek the advice of your doctor.
- For children under one, injections will be given in the upper thigh – not the bottom or arm.
For children over one, they can be given in the arm.
Related Topics
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