What if my child does not want to be vaccinated in a school setting?

We currently run clinics at Brighouse Health Centre. These are by appointment only.

For further information or to book an appointment please contact the team on 01484 368500. 

 

What if I am not in school on the day the vaccines are being given?

You will be either vaccinated when the team are next in school or invited to a mop up session in the community.

How will I be given the vaccinations?

The vaccinations will be given by injection into the upper arm. Nobody likes injections, but it is very quick. The needles used are small and you should only feel a tiny pinprick. If you are a bit nervous about having the injection, tell the nurse before you have it.

What if I am ill on the day the vaccinations are being given?

If you have a minor illness without a fever, such as a cold, you should have the immunisations. If you are ill with a fever, speak to the immunisation nurse to determine if the vaccination should be delayed until you have recovered. 

If you have:

  • had a bleeding disorder, or
  • had convulsions (fits) not associated with fever

speak to your doctor or the immunisation nurse before having the immunisation.

Are there any side effects?

It is common to get some swelling, redness or tenderness at the injection site. Sometimes a small painless lump develops, but this usually disappears in a few weeks. More serious effects are rare but include fever, headache, dizziness, feeling sick and swollen glands. If you feel unwell after the immunisation speak to your GP or call the free NHS helpline 111.

If I was immunised against tetanus, diphtheria, polio and meningitis as a child, am I still protected?

You may still have some protection, but you need these boosters to complete your routine immunisation and give you longer-term protection.

Why do we need immunisation?

The national immunisation programme has meant that dangerous diseases, such as polio, have disappeared in the UK. But these diseases could come back – they are still around in many countries throughout the world. That’s why it’s so important for you to protect yourself. In the UK, diseases are kept at bay by the high immunisation rates.

How do vaccines work?

A vaccine contains a small part of the bacterium or virus that causes a disease, or tiny amounts of the chemicals the bacterium produces. Vaccines work by causing the body’s immune system to make antibodies (substances to fight infections and diseases). So if you come into contact with the infection, the antibodies will recognise it and protect you.

Are there any other immunisations I need to have?

When you are having your Diphtheria, Tetanus, Polio (DTP) and Meningitis ACWY boosters, it’s a good idea to check with your nurse or doctor that all of your childhood immunisations are up to date.  It is particularly important to check that your MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) immunisation is up to date because some teenagers have not had two doses of MMR.

Do these vaccines contain thiomersal?

The tetanus, diphtheria, polio, meningitis ACWY boosters, HPV and Flu vaccines DO NOT contain thiomersal. Thiomersal is a mercury based preservative. For more information about thiomersal visit NHS Choices or Oxford Vaccine Group.

Are there any reasons why I should not be immunised?

There are very few people who cannot have these vaccines.

You should not have vaccines if you have had:

  • A confirmed anaphylactic reaction to a previous vaccine, or
  • A confirmed anaphylactic reaction to neomycin, streptomycin or polymyxin B (antibiotics that may be added to vaccines in very tiny amounts).

There are no other medical reasons why these vaccines should not be given. If you are worried, talk to the nurse or doctor.

Still have a question that hasn't been answered?

If you still have a question please get in touch with our team on 01484 368500.
Messages can be left for the team if our nurses are unavailable.