Overview
Immunisation helps protect your child from serious diseases. It trains the body to fight infections if your child comes into contact with them.
Vaccines contain small, safe amounts of a virus or bacteria. This helps the body make antibodies, which fight illness. Because of vaccines, some diseases are now very rare in the UK.
Some illnesses can cause serious harm or even death. Vaccinations help protect your child from these risks. Research shows vaccines are a safe and effective way to keep children healthy.
You may feel unsure about vaccines. This is normal. Health professionals can give you clear, trusted information to help you decide.
Support for additional needs
Mencap provides easy read information about vaccines, including:
Children and young people with additional needs may need extra support when having vaccines. The NHS share top tips to help make the vaccination appointment go smoothly. Health services can also make reasonable adjustments to help the process feel calm, safe and manageable.
This may include:
- Longer or quieter appointments
- Clear, simple explanations or visual support
- Help from staff who understand your child’s needs
- Support with sensory sensitivities, such as noise or touch
- Flexible approaches to how and when vaccines are given
You know your child best. Sharing what helps or causes distress can improve the experience. You can ask your GP surgery or immunisation team for adjustments to meet your child’s needs.
If your child has allergies, tell the nurse or doctor before the appointment. This includes food allergies, medicine allergies or past reactions to vaccines. Some vaccines are made in slightly different ways. The health team will check the ingredients and choose an option that is safe for your child. They will talk this through with you and plan any extra support needed.
Check the NHS vaccination schedule for details about when vaccines are given, including extra vaccines for children at higher risk or with health conditions.
Early years immunisation
Your health visitor will give you information about your baby’s vaccinations. This includes what vaccines are given, when, and why.
Vaccines are usually given based on your child’s actual age. This means the schedule follows their date of birth, even if they were born early. This is because premature babies still need protection from infections as early as possible. There may be some exceptions for very premature or medically complex babies. The healthcare team will check this and adjust if needed, and they will explain any changes to you.
Immunisation appointments are booked for you automatically. They usually take place at your GP surgery with a practice nurse.
If you cannot attend, contact the surgery to rearrange.
School age immunisation
The Somerset School Aged Immunisation Nursing Team provides vaccines for older children. This includes children in school and those educated at home.
For more information, contact Somerset SAINT on 0300 323 0032 or visit the Somerset School Aged Immunisation Nursing Team website.
Holiday immunisation
If you are travelling abroad, your child may need extra vaccines to protect them from diseases in other countries.
Contact your GP surgery or a travel clinic as early as possible before you travel. Some vaccines need more than one dose, or time to work.
A health professional will look at where you are going and tell you which vaccines your child needs.