What does childhood immunisation treat?

Vaccines introduce the immune system to a safe form or part of a germ, allowing it to prepare a response. Depending on the vaccine, this may involve an inactivated vaccine or a live attenuated vaccine. Later exposure can then be recognised more quickly, which can prevent infection or make the illness less severe.

Routine childhood vaccination protects against infections such as diphtheria, poliomyelitis, rotavirus infection and whooping cough. These illnesses can affect breathing, the nervous system or the digestive tract, especially in young children. Immunisation does not remove every cause of fever, cough, vomiting or diarrhoea, and it does not cure an infection that is already present.

Keep the child’s vaccination record available and tell the clinician about previous reactions, allergies, immune problems or current illness. Ask which doses are due and whether a delayed dose needs a catch-up plan. After vaccination, observe the child and follow the practical advice provided for comfort, fluids and fever. Mild soreness, tiredness or a low fever can occur as the immune response develops.

Do not give a child someone else’s medicine. If you are unsure whether a symptom is an expected reaction, contact the vaccination provider and describe when it began and how it is changing.

Seek urgent help for trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, collapse, severe weakness or a rapidly spreading allergic-looking rash after vaccination. A child who is difficult to wake, has a seizure or appears seriously unwell also needs urgent assessment. For a persistent fever or other concern, contact the clinician who gave the vaccine.

Which vaccines are due now? What protection does each one provide? What reactions should I expect? When should I call for advice? Does my child need a catch-up appointment or special timing because of a medical condition?