Immunisation
Immunisation protects people against harmful infections which can cause serious health complications and in some instances can be fatal. It is one of the most effective medical interventions to prevent disease spread. Immunisation uses the body’s natural defense mechanism to build resistance to specific infections. When an immunised person comes in contact with that disease in the future, their immune system will respond to prevent them developing the disease. ‘Vaccination’ is the term used for giving a vaccine by injection or the swallowing of drops. The term ‘Immunisation’ is used for the process of both getting the vaccine and becoming immune to the disease as a result of the vaccine.
Childhood Vaccinations
The Department of Health (DH) recommends all children are immunised against certain vaccine-preventable infections. They have put in place a programme to give children a series of vaccinations at different ages.
The Wyeth vaccination schedule wheel shows you how and when children of certain ages should be vaccinated, both routine and non-routine schedules are detailed. To use the wheel rotate the outer edge to the age group of your choice. The highlighted segment will indicate the recommended vaccine programme and a further information box will appear giving details of each vaccine.
In addition, if you think you or your child is not up to date with vaccinations, you can ask your GP at any time for advice. The DH considers it is your right to have vaccinations to protect you against dangerous or life-threatening disease.