Childhood Vaccinations: What They Protect Against and What to Expect
Vaccination is one of the most successful public health measures in history. Diseases that once killed or disabled large numbers of children, such as smallpox, polio, diphtheria and measles, have been eliminated or sharply reduced. Keeping up with the routine schedule protects your child and, through community protection, the babies and vulnerable people around them.
How vaccines work
A vaccine shows the immune system a harmless piece or weakened or inactivated form of a germ, or instructions to make a protein from it, so that the body can build defences without having to suffer the illness. If the real germ appears later, the immune system recognises it quickly and responds. Some vaccines need several doses to build full protection, and boosters maintain it.
Routine childhood vaccines
Exact schedules differ between countries, so follow your national or local health service’s advice. In general, children are offered vaccines against:
- Diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough (pertussis): serious and potentially fatal infections; whooping cough is particularly dangerous for young babies
- Polio: a virus that can cause permanent paralysis
- Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib): a cause of meningitis and epiglottitis
- Hepatitis B: a liver virus that can lead to chronic liver disease and cancer
- Pneumococcal disease: causes pneumonia, meningitis and blood infection
- Rotavirus: the leading cause of severe diarrhoea and dehydration in infants
- Meningococcal disease: including types A, B, C, W and Y
- Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR): highly contagious illnesses that can cause pneumonia, brain inflammation, deafness and birth defects
- Chickenpox (varicella) in many countries
- Human papillomavirus (HPV): usually offered in early adolescence to prevent several cancers
- Influenza each year from the age of six months in many countries
- COVID-19 according to current guidance
Babies typically start at around two months, with several visits during the first year and boosters in the second year and before school.
Common side effects
Most reactions are mild and short-lived:
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- Soreness, redness or a small lump at the injection site
- Low-grade fever
- Fussiness, sleepiness or reduced appetite
- Mild rash about a week after MMR
Comfort your child, offer fluids, and use paracetamol if needed. Severe allergic reactions are very rare and usually occur within minutes, which is why you are asked to stay briefly after vaccination.
Common worries
“Do vaccines cause autism?” No. Large studies involving millions of children across many countries have found no link between vaccines, including MMR, and autism.
“Are too many vaccines too much for a baby’s immune system?” Babies encounter thousands of germs every day. The antigens in vaccines are a tiny fraction of what the immune system handles, and combination vaccines mean fewer injections.
“Is natural infection better?” Natural infection can cause severe illness, complications and death. Vaccines give protection without that risk.
“Do vaccines contain harmful ingredients?” Vaccines contain small amounts of stabilisers, adjuvants and preservatives, all rigorously tested at levels far below harmful doses.
“If most children are vaccinated, why should mine be?” Community protection only works when enough people are immunised. Outbreaks of measles occur when coverage falls.
Making vaccination easier
- Keep the vaccine record book or digital record safe
- Hold and cuddle babies, or offer breastfeeding or a sweet taste where appropriate, during injections
- Distract toddlers and older children with games or books
- Dress your child in loose clothing for easy access
- If a visit is missed, you can catch up; ask your clinic
When a vaccine is delayed
Minor illness such as a cold does not usually require postponement. Moderate or severe illness with high fever may justify waiting. Children with weakened immune systems, a history of severe allergic reaction to a vaccine component, or other conditions should discuss their situation with a clinician.
During pregnancy
Vaccines in pregnancy, such as whooping cough, influenza and COVID-19, pass protective antibodies to the baby before birth and protect them during the vulnerable early weeks.
In summary
Routine vaccination is safe, effective and one of the best investments you can make in your child’s health. If you have questions or concerns, talk with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist, who can give you accurate, personalised information.
This article is for general information and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you are worried about your health or have symptoms, speak to a doctor or other qualified health professional.