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Immunisations

You may want to know if your child should have routine immunisations, and whether there could be an increased risk of complications because of the heart condition.

We have sought the opinions of cardiologists and paediatricians to try to bring you a clear overview of why immunisations are important and what added precautions may need to be taken.

Your health visitor should be able to let you know where and when routine immunisation sessions are held in your area. If your child misses a vaccination appointment, don’t worry, he or she does not have to start the course of vaccines again. But you will want to call your health centre to let them know why you were unable to attend, and to arrange another appointment.

Protection
Immunisations are given as an injection or by mouth. They help the body to protect itself against some infections.

There is a recommended schedule for childhood immunisations. Routine immunisations start from two months old and are given throughout childhood. The final doses are usually given at fifteen years old.

Age	What is it for?
2 months	Polio Diphtheria; Tetanus; Whooping cough; Hib Meningitis C Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccination*	(1st dose) (1st dose) (1st dose) (1st dose)
3 months	Polio Diphtheria; Tetanus; Whooping cough; Hib Meningitis C Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccination*	(2nd dose) (2nd dose) (2nd dose) (2nd dose)
4 months	Polio Diphtheria; Tetanus; Whooping cough; Hib Meningitis C Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccination*	(3rd dose) (3rd dose) (3rd dose) (3rd dose)
Every October from 6 months old	Influenza* (after the first dose there should be a booster 4 - 6 weeks later, this booster is not required after subsequent Infuenza immunisations)
7 months old	If Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine* has not yet been offered 2 doses 1 month apart would be appropriate from 7 months
12 months old	Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine* final dose if complete courses as above have been given otherwise a further dose is required after a further 2 months
12-15 months	MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella)	(1st dose)
3-5 years	MMR Diphtheria; Tetanus; Special Whooping cough Polio	booster booster booster
10-14 years	BCG – Tuberculosis
15 years	Diphtheria, Tetanus Polio	booster booster
16-25	Older children may be offered Meningitis C if not previously immunised

*Vaccines marked with an asterix are not part of the routine immunisation schedule but may be offered to give extra protection to children at special risk. Your child’s heart condition may leave him or her more susceptible to other illnesses which can be vaccinated against such as Flu, Pneumonia and RSV (bronchoiolitis). It is recommended that the flu vaccine be given every year to children with heart conditions from the age of 6 months to 12 years. The vaccination should be repeated after 4-6 weeks if it is the first flu vaccination. Although the flu jab will not protect your child from every flu bug around it will offer protection from the common type each year. As long as your child is well, the vaccination will give added winter protection. The ideal vaccination time is in October just before winter sets in. Children who are hypersensitive to egg should not be offered the flu vaccination.

In addition to flu vaccinations, vaccinations against pneumonia and RSV (bronchiolitis) may also be offered to your child, but you should ask your child’s cardiologist for more advice on this.