Immunisation

What is immunisation?

Immunisation is a safe and effective way to protect your baby against certain diseases. These diseases can cause serious illness or even death. Immunisation works by causing your baby’s immune system to make antibodies to fight the disease. Immunisations are free from most doctors. Ask your GP for further details.

When should I immunise my baby during the first six months?

Minor reactions that may occur after an immunisation include:

Redness, soreness or swelling in the area where the injection was given
Fever; or
Irritable behaviour

If your baby is very unwell after an immunisation, there may be some other reason for the sickness. Talk to your doctor about this.

For more written information about immunisation, read the HSE Guide Your Child’s Immunisation: A guide for parents (http://www.hse.ie/eng/health/immunisation/infomaterials/pubs/engyourchildsimm.pdf )

An immunisation record is available from your doctor or Local Health Centre. Please bring this record with you when you every time you go to the doctor for your child’s injections so they can record them for you. You can get more information from www.immunisation.ie or contact the National Immunisation Office, Manor Street, Dublin 7. Phone: 01 867 6108.