Childhood vaccinations

We can provide a comprehensive selection of childhood vaccinations. Parents are welcome to contact us about any aspect of the vaccination process and to discuss any questions or concerns that they may have. A thorough health questionnaire is filled in prior to any immunisation and the contraindications and precautions discussed at the time.

Measles

Measles is one of the most contagious viral diseases and is caused by a virus belonging to the paramyxovirus family. It is the most unpleasant and dangerous of the childhood illness that has a rash. This is because of the severity of the symptoms and the potential complications of the disease. Droplets from the nose or throat transfers the infection from person to person. Incubation is between one to two weeks and anyone who has not already had measles can become infected. It is unusual for babies under four months of age to get measles, as they will be protected by their mother's antibodies ( presuming she has had the infection / immunisation in the past). Measles symptoms can include: a high fever (>39C), cold symptoms, cough, sore throat, reddish eyes and a sensitivity to light. Spots inside the mouth (Koplicks spots) develop then a rash appears, usually beginning around the ears and then spreading to the body and legs within a day or two. The very small spots of the rash (red in colour) quickly double in size and begin to join together. The high temperature and rash may stay for a couple of days and then disappear altogether. After about a week the child will be fit again. Complications of measles include pneumonia, middle ear infections and meningitis.

Measles and pregnancy

Having measles during pregnancy can result in an infection of the unborn child and may, in the worse case scenario, result in the death of the baby. If you are planning a pregnancy you should make sure that you have had a measles vaccination, unless you have had the disease in the past. Note this vaccine cannot be given during pregnancy and a 1 month gap is advised after having the vaccination and conceiving.

Mumps

Mumps is caused by a paramyxo virus and of all the childhood viral diseases it has the longest incubation period taking up to three weeks from infection to outbreak of symptoms. This makes it sometimes very difficult to track down the source of an outbreak. It is spread by airborne drops from the nose or throat. It is the least contagious of the common childhood infections and needs quite close contact to contract it. Very little children can get it, but it is commoner after the age of two. It is usually characterised by parotid gland swelling on both sides but occasionally it can be just on one side. Complications of Mumps are uncommon but can include pancreatitis, oophoritis (inflammation of the ovaries), orchitis (inflammation of the testes) , deafness, kidney inflammation, painful joints and cardiac abnormalities.

Rubella (German Measles)

Rubella is another viral illness with an incubation period this time of around two weeks. It can occur in epidemics and these tend to breakout every three to four years. It is less contagious than Measles or Chickenpox. Complications include a low platelet count (sticky cells in the blood that prevent bleeding) and post-infectious encephalitis( inflammation of the brain). In adults, arthritis and joint pain may occasionally occur.

Rubella and pregnancy

Infection during pregnancy, particularly in the early stages ( first 8 to 10 weeks), can result in the death of the fetus. If the fetus survives it can have one or more of the following problems:

cataracts and other eye defects
deafness
cardiac problems
small sized head
retardation of growth in the womb
inflammatory lesions of the brain, lungs, liver and bone marrow.

Having a Rubella vaccination not only protects the individual who has received it but also makes that person less likely to be a source of infection to others.

Single Vaccines

In the UK all children between the ages of 12 and 15 months are offered the MMR vaccination with a further dose given aged 3-5 years prior to going to school. This is still the official policy of the Department of Health. There has been a large rise in the number of cases of Measles in the UK over the last few years and this has been directly linked to the fall in the number of children receiving the MMR vaccine. Recent controversies over possible links between the MMR vaccine and the development of autism or bowel problems (Crohn's disease) has caused a lot of parents to choose not to have their children vaccinated at all.

As parents we decided to have our children vaccinated with the combined MMR vaccination. We are offering the individual vaccinations so that people can have a choice that they are happy with for their own children. We believe it is better to vaccinate children against these illnesses by any method, rather than going unvaccinated and run the risk of infection. Each of the vaccines are given separately and with a 6-8 week interval between them. We would suggest giving the Measles vaccine first followed by Rubella and then Mumps*. A reinforcing ( booster ) course of all three vaccines is recommended starting from 3 years of age. If your child is much older when they first receive their primary course, then we would suggest that they receive their booster doses 3 months after the first course is completed. This corresponds to the two doses of the MMR vaccine. Your child will therefore require 6 vaccinations in total.

Chickenpox (Varicella)

A vaccine is available against Chickenpox for all susceptible children who are at least 12 months of age through to 18 years. One dose of Varicella vaccine is recommended for children aged 12 months to 12 years and two doses (with a minimum interval of 4 weeks between doses) for adolescents aged 13-18 years.

Pneumococcal vaccine (Prevenar)

Prevenar is a pneumococcal vaccine against seven of the most common types of Streptococcus pneumoniae bacterium. These bacteria are responsible for causing invasive diseases such as pneumonia, blood poisoning and meningitis. The vaccine works by stimulating the bodies defences against the bacterium without causing the illness itself. The vaccine is given as a course of three injections at 2, 4 and 13 months of age. Adults and children over five years who need a pneumococcal vaccine will be given a different pneumococcal vaccine called Pneumovax II.

Vaccine Availability*

All vaccines, except Mumps, are currently available. Merck and Co (USA), the manufacturers of Mumpsvax ( Jerryl Lyn strain) has announced, as of 21/01/2010, that it will no longer be manufacturing single Mumps vaccines. There is no alternative Mumps vaccine available. Please do not hesitate to call if you need more information.

A useful website www.immunisation.nhs.uk www.spmsd.co.uk

Last updated 24/01/10