Vaccinations for baby - 2

What is the 6-in-1 vaccination and what is the risk of my baby catching
these diseases?
The 6-in-1 vaccine helps protect your baby against six diseases that can be serious for babies and children.

1. Diphtheria is a very contagious infection that affects the nose and throat. It can quickly lead to serious breathing problems.

2. Hepatitis B is an infection of the liver caused by the virus hepatitis B. Infections could lead to liver damage.

3. Hib is a serious infection caused by a bacteria called Haemophilus Influenza type b. It can lead to serious illnesses such as blood poisoning, inflammation of the lungs and a type of meningitis.

4. Polio is a virus which attacks the nerves, spinal cord and brain. It can lead to paralysis of muscles and unable to move limbs. It can also affect the muscles in the chest which can lead to difficulty in breathing. It is now very rare because of the vaccination programme.

5. Tetanus is an infection caused by germs found in soil and manure. Thegerms can get into the body through open cuts or wounds. It can lead tosevere muscle spasms which can cause muscles to lock in the jaw. Thismakes it hard to open the mouth or swallow. It is rare in the UK because if the Tetanus vaccine programme.

6. Whooping Cough (pertussis) is a bacterial infection of the lungs and breathing tubes that causes coughing and choking. This can make it difficult to breathe and can last up to 10 weeks. Babies under one year of age are most at risk from whooping cough.

What is the risk for my baby from having the 6-in-1 vaccination?
The 6-in-1 vaccine is very safe.

When should my baby have this vaccination?
It is important that your baby is vaccinated at the right age.

The 6-in-1 vaccine is given three times and best given when babies are 8, 12 and 16 weeks old. This is to build up their immunity to the six diseases.

What will happen when my baby gets vaccinated?
The vaccine is usually given by a nurse or doctor at your GP practice. It might be given in a local community clinic by trained children’s vaccinators.

The doctor or nurse will explain what happens and answer any questions you may have. The 6-in-1 vaccine is injected into the muscle of the thigh.

What should I expect after my baby has had the 6-in-1 vaccination?
It can be common for your baby to feel a little irritable afterwards. There may be some redness and a small bump or swelling where the injection has been given. The doctor or nurse giving the vaccine will explain how to manage some common side effects.

What is Rotavirus?
Rotavirus is an infectious stomach bug. It can affect babies and young children and can cause diarrhoea, sometimes with vomiting, tummy ache and fever.

What is the risk for my baby from catching rotavirus?
Most children recover at home within a few days of getting rotavirus. Some may end up in hospital due to extreme diarrhoea and vomiting causing dehydration.

How does getting vaccinated help protect my baby?
Rotavirus spreads very easily so the vaccine is given to help stop babies
getting infected.

When should my baby have this vaccination?
Babies are given two doses of the rotavirus vaccine at 8 weeks and 12 weeks old. It is given with other vaccines such as the 6-in-1 vaccine.

What will happen when my baby gets vaccinated?
The rotavirus vaccine is given as a liquid that is squirted into your baby’ s mouth. Parents/carers are advised to wash hands regularly for a few weeks after the vaccine is given when changing nappies as the baby’s poo may contain a weakened version of rotavirus.

The risks are very small of getting ill from this.

What should I expect after my baby has had the rotavirus vaccination?
The rotavirus medicine can cause some common side effects but not all babies get them. These can be being irritable, having diarrhoea or being sick.

The doctor or nurse giving the vaccine will explain how to manage some
common side effects.