Childhood Vaccines

Childhood VaccinesImmunisation is a simple, safe and effective way of protecting your child against certain diseases. The risks from having these diseases are far greater than the risk of any minor side effects from immunisation, it’s always better to try and prevent a disease than try and treat it,” states Fergus MacNamara, Chief Doctor at The Keogh Practice.

When your child is given a vaccine, their body responds by making antibodies, the same as if they had caught the disease but without getting sick. Their body then produces antibodies to destroy the vaccine and these stay in your child’s body and protect them against the actual disease. At your baby’s 6 week check you should feel free to raise any questions you have in relation to vaccines and the current schedule in Ireland, Risks vs. benefits

The Current Schedule Is As Follows:



At birth: The BCG vaccination (which protects against tuberculosis) administered in the hospital
At 2 months: 6 in 1- Diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough (pertussis), polio, hepatitis B and HiB (Haemophilus Influenzae Type B) is provided as one single injection (the “6 in 1”).PCV – pneumococcal The first of two pneumococcal conjugate vaccines is also administered.
At 4 months: 6 in 1. Meningococcal C
At 6 months: 6 in 1. PCV – Pneumococcal Vaccines. Meningococcal C.
At 12 months: MMR vaccine- protects against measles, mumps and rubella. PCV- Pneumococcal
At 13 months: Hib booster – Haemophilus influenza B. Meningococcal C
School Booster Programme
At 4-5 years: 4 in 1- diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis and polio (these are administered together as a 4 in 1 vaccine). MMR booster
At 12-14 years: Tetanus and low dose Diphtheria vaccine.

Any questions or issues see website: www.immunisations.iehttp://www.immunisation.ie/en/ChildhoodImmunisation/ or call The Keogh Practice on 051 317600
We maintain records of all vaccines given to ensure clarity a copy of your immunisations is available upon request