Vaccinations

 We need immunizations to protect our PRECIOUS BABIES against serious illness that may be fatal.

As a parent, you will want to know why vaccinating your child is important. In the past, diseases such as smallpox and polio struck fear into the hearts of parents, as an infection in their child or community could mean death or paralysis. Today, thanks to the development of vaccines, smallpox has been totally eradicated and other infections such as polio and measles have nearly been eliminated. 

Why is it important for children to be vaccinated?
Children need to be vaccinated in order to protect them from certain infectious diseases. 
Why should all children be vaccinated?
Vaccinations prevent the spread of disease within the community. 
Does my child need to have all the vaccinations?
Yes, your child must have all the vaccinations.
Which diseases will the vaccinations protect my child from?
Tuberculosis, Polio, Rotavirus Gastroenteritis, Diphtheria, Tetanus, Whooping cough, Haemophilus Influenzae type B, Hepatitis B, Pneumococcal Infection, Hepatitis A, Mumps, Rubella , Chickenpox and Measles are the infections that your child will be protected against. 
Are vaccinations safe?
As a result of medical research vaccinations are getting safer and more effective all the time. 

In South Africa parents have the choice of vaccinating baby in a government clinic at 6 weeks or in a registered private clinic between 6 weeks and 8 weeks.

It is very normal for parents to feel anxious and concerned as there is so much negative literature available via the media. It is far safer to go on the advice from qualified professionals who have done in-depth training and research on vaccinations. Personally I am not blasé about vaccinating a child as we are putting a foreign substance in their bodies, however I truly believe that if weighing the risk of vaccination to the risk of not, there is without a doubt far more risks if not vaccinating.

When should we not vaccinate?
We do not vaccinate a sick baby or any baby with a temperature.

IS IT NOT BETTER TO VACCINATE A BABY WHEN THEY ARE A LITTLE OLDER?
Actually quite the opposite. Babies are very strong at birth and have lots of antibodies called maternal antibodies from moms placenta in utero and hence cope far better than a 9 month old who is depleted of maternal antibodies. Hence the younger the baby the better they cope.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM BABY AFTER HER INJECTIONS
Almost all babies cry when they are vaccinated as none of us like pain and they do sting. However with lots of cuddles and love they settle quickly and forgive us.

I find it far less stressful for baby if they are being on the breast while being vaccinated. You may want to use a local anaesthetic such as emla cream to help lessen the discomfort.

The following symptoms are not uncommon after vaccinating
– a low grade temperature for 1-5 days
-redness or inflammation around the site of the injections
-irritability/sleepiness
– loss of appetite
If concerned give your clinic or doctor a call.

The Baby Clinic :  Immunisation Schedule from February 2016

Cervarix (dose 2) – 1 month after initial vaccination
Cervarix (dose 3) – 6 months after second dose

*Girls under the age of 15yrs will receive 2 doses 6 months apart.

*Girls over the age of 15yrs will receive 3 doses as above.