when should I get my child immunised?

factsheet: schedule of immunisations

Immunisation is the safest and most effective way of protecting your child against serious diseases.

Your child will have his/her first immunisation when he/she is 2 months old. You should receive a letter from your health visitor, GP or clinic to invite you to bring your child in for each set of immunisations. The following table shows the age at which your child will have each set of immunisations, the name and type of immunisation given. There should be few reasons why a child cannot be immunised. However, you must let your doctor or health visitor know if your child:

• Is unwell or has a fever
• Is child is receiving medication
• Has reacted badly to a previous immunisation
• Has suffered severe allergic reactions – particularly after eating eggs.

You should also let them know if your child or any other close family member:

• Has any illness which affects the immune system, e.g. HIV or AIDS.
• Is taking medication which affects the immune system, e.g. high dose steroids or immunosuppressants following organ transplants or for cancer.