Should I have my child vaccinated?

Vaccines have been given to millions of children without any problems, and with tremendous benefits. The risk of harmful, lasting complications from vaccines is extremely small indeed. The risks of harmful effects from the diseases themselves are much higher and much more serious.

There are no proven, effective alternatives to immunisation. Some parents who have doubts about immunisation may feel they are under pressure from their GP or health visitor to have their child vaccinated. If you feel worried you could:

• Ask your doctor or health visitor for more information
• Collect written information and take it away to consider
• Arrange an appointment simply to discuss immunisation with your doctor rather than to have the immunisation done
• Look for back copies of Which Guide to Health in your library. They occasionally carry detailed articles about each of the immunisation programmes which may answer some of your questions. There are also leaflets and books you can read.

• What is immunisation?
• When vaccines are given
• Contraindications
• Protection levels
• Homeopathy
• Natural immunity
• Hib: the Hib form of meningitis
• DTP: diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough)
• Polio
• MMR
• BCG
• Hepatitis B
• Finding out more