Childhood Immunisations

Routine vaccinations play a crucial role in protecting babies and young children from a range of serious, and sometimes life-threatening, diseases. Staying up to date with the recommended immunisation schedule is one of the best ways to safeguard your child’s health and ensure they are protected from preventable illnesses.

Vaccines work by teaching the body’s immune system how to recognise and fight harmful germs, such as viruses and bacteria. While different vaccines may operate in slightly different ways, the end goal is the same: to help the immune system build an effective defence against disease. Some vaccines may require a booster later in life to maintain immunity, but most vaccines provide long-lasting protection with just a few initial doses, typically offering lifelong immunity after a relatively short period.

Vaccines work by introducing a small, safe amount of the disease-causing organism into the body. This amount of exposure stimulates the immune system to create a defence, without causing illness. Since babies are born with an immune system that is not yet fully developed, they are more vulnerable to infections. Although babies’ bodies can fight off many germs, they struggle to defend against more serious diseases without the help of vaccinations.

It’s important to note that vaccines are extremely safe. Before any vaccine is approved for use, it undergoes extensive testing and evaluation to ensure its safety and effectiveness. Only after meeting strict safety standards does a vaccine receive approval from health authorities. While some children may experience mild side effects, such as a low-grade fever, soreness at the injection site, or temporary swelling or redness, these reactions are typically short-lived and much less severe than the diseases the vaccines are designed to prevent.