If you have any concerns about the safety of immunisations, please talk to your GP or practice nurse.

Babies receive the following immunisations with the first being given at their 8-week check:

Triple (DTP) and Hib and Polio immunisations (due at 2, 3 and 4 months)

The side effects are almost always mild. Your baby may become fretful and slightly feverish within 24-48 hours of the injection. Sometimes, the skin becomes red, sore or swollen around the place where the injection was given or a small lump appears and may take a few weeks to disappear.

Rotavirus (due at 2 and 3 months)

This is a given by mouth to prevent Rotavirus. Some babies can become restless and tetchy and some may develop mild diarrhoea.

Meningitis C Vaccination (due at 3 months)

Redness, swelling and tenderness around the site are common but usually mild. A fever is common in younger children.

Pneumococcal Vaccine (due at 2, 4 and 12 months)

Swelling and redness where the injection was given which may last up to 24 hours. Another side effect maybe a slight fever and a little unwell.

Hib/Men C (due at 12 months)

Pain, redness and swelling at the injection site. A fever, sleepiness, loss of appetite and irritability are also side effects.

MMR (due at 12 months)

A fever can develop. A week to ten days after the injection a rash can develop which should only last for 2 or 3 days. Some children get swollen faces or a mild form of mumps about 2-3 weeks after MMR. Any swelling will gradually go down, however none of these reactions are infectious, serious reactions to these vaccines are extremely rare. You might find it useful to keep this information with your child’s health record booklet.

For more information regarding immunisations please visit the NHS webiste: www.nhs.uk.