Childhood Immunisations
This information aims to provide parents and guardians with information regarding the childhood immunisation programme to ensure that you are aware of the immunisations being offered to your child, the correct timing for them to take place and the common side effects.
The Principle aims of immunisation are to protect your child from infectious diseases with associated mortality, morbidity and long term complications, to prevent outbreaks of disease and to eventually eradicate infectious diseases.
Immunisation Schedule for Babies Born After 1st January 2020
8 Weeks Old
- Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (whooping cough), Polio, Haemophilus Influenza type B (HIB) and Hepatitis B - this is a 6 in 1 immunisation which is 1 injection (DTap/IPV/Hib/HepB)
- Rotavirus - given orally 1 dose - NOT to be given if baby is older than 15 weeks
- Meningococcal Group B (Men B)
12 Weeks Old
- Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, Polio and Hib and Hepatitis B
- Rotavirus - 2nd dose - NOT to be given if baby is older than 24 weeks (given orally)
- Pneumococcal injection (PCV)
16 Weeks Old:
- Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, Polio and Hib and Hepatitis B
- Meningococcal Group B (Men B)
One Year old (on or after first birthday):
- Measles, Mumps & Rubella
- Meningococcal Group B (Men B)
- Pneumococcal injection (PCV)
- HIB & MenC
Three Years Four Months Old:
- Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis & Polio
- Measles, Mumps & Rubella
Twelve/Thirteen Year Old (School Year 8)
- Humanpapillomavirus (HPV) vaccine - given via School Programme (Not GP Surgery)
Fourteen Years Old:
- Diphtheria, Tetanus & Polio
- Meningococcal groups A, C, W, and Y disease
Child Health Record (Red Book)
Please bring your child's red book to all immunisation appointments so that all immunisations are recorded.
Consent
Before your child is vaccinated the nurse will explain what vaccinations are due to be given and request verbal consent.
Reasons to Postpose your Child's Vaccinations
- Child feeling unwell with fever
- Severe reaction to an earlier vaccination
- Incorrect time for vaccinations
Possible Side-Effects
- Local reactions include soreness, swelling and redness at the injection site
- Mild transient fever
- Less common - drowsiness, crying, diarrhoea and vomiting
For further information visit www.gov.im/vaccinations