5.2 Identify the immunisation schedule

This guide will help you answer 5.2 Identify the immunisation schedule.

As an early years practitioner, understanding the immunisation schedule is essential for ensuring the health and well-being of the children in your care. The immunisation schedule outlines the specific vaccines that are recommended for all children in the UK. These vaccines protect against various infectious diseases that can cause serious illnesses. Always check with healthcare professionals and the NHS for the latest information on vaccine schedules.

What is an Immunisation Schedule?

An immunisation schedule is a timeline that lists the vaccines recommended for individuals at different ages and stages in their life. In the UK, this schedule is set by the Department of Health and Social Care, based on advice from organisations like the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI). The schedule is designed to provide the best possible protection against preventable diseases during the early years of a child’s life.

Why is Immunisation Important?

Immunisations are essential because they:

• Protect children from serious diseases.
• Help stop the spread of infections in the community.
• Contribute to ‘herd immunity’, where the spread of disease is less likely because enough people are vaccinated.

Vaccines work by preparing the body’s immune system to fight infections. They often contain a small amount of an inactive or harmless form of a virus or bacteria. The immune system learns to recognise and combat it, strengthening the body’s defence against future encounters.

The UK Childhood Immunisation Schedule

The UK childhood immunisation schedule is updated regularly, taking into account the latest scientific research and public health data. Here is a general overview of the current schedule, which covers children from birth to the age of 14:

At Birth

• BCG Vaccine: This is generally offered to babies who are at higher risk of tuberculosis (TB), such as those living in areas with high rates of TB, or those with a family history from countries with high TB prevalence.

8 Weeks

• 6-in-1 Vaccine: Protects against diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough (pertussis), polio, Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), and hepatitis B.
• Rotavirus Vaccine: Protects against rotavirus, a common cause of diarrhoea and sickness in babies and young children.
• MenB Vaccine: Provides protection against meningococcal group B bacteria, a common cause of meningitis in children.

12 Weeks

• 6-in-1 Vaccine: Second dose.
• Rotavirus Vaccine: Second dose.

16 Weeks

• 6-in-1 Vaccine: Third dose.
• MenB Vaccine: Second dose.

1 Year

• Hib/MenC Vaccine: Protects against Haemophilus influenzae type b and meningococcal group C.
• MMR Vaccine: Protects against measles, mumps, and rubella.
• PCV (Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine): Protects against pneumococcal infections.
• MenB Vaccine: Third dose.

3 Years and 4 Months

• 4-in-1 Preschool Booster: Protects against diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, and polio.
• MMR Vaccine: Second dose.

12 to 13 Years

• HPV Vaccine: Offered to both boys and girls to protect against human papillomavirus, which can lead to various cancers including cervical cancer.

14 Years

• 3-in-1 Teenage Booster: Protects against tetanus, diphtheria, and polio.
• MenACWY Vaccine: Protects against meningitis caused by meningococcal groups A, C, W, and Y.

Awareness of Vaccination Terms

6-in-1 Vaccine

This vaccine is a combined shot that covers six diseases. It simplifies the immunisation process by reducing the number of injections your child needs to have.

MMR Vaccine

MMR stands for measles, mumps, and rubella. These diseases can have serious complications, and vaccination is the most effective way to prevent them.

MenB and MenACWY Vaccines

These protect against different groups of meningococcal bacteria, which can cause meningitis and septicaemia.

PCV and Hib/MenC Vaccines

Pneumococcal and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) are bacteria that can cause life-threatening infections like meningitis and pneumonia.

Boosters and Catch-Up Immunisations

As children grow, booster shots are given to extend the immunity acquired from earlier vaccinations. It’s essential to keep track of these boosters to ensure continued protection.

If a child misses a scheduled vaccination, catch-up immunisations can be given. These are essential for maintaining the immunisation schedule and ensuring adequate protection.

Keeping Accurate Records

It’s vital for practitioners to keep comprehensive records of each child’s immunisation history. This includes dates of vaccinations and any reactions observed. Having this information helps:

• Ensure children are up to date with their vaccinations.
• Provide necessary information in case of an outbreak.
• Guide discussions with parents about their child’s immunisation status.

Addressing Parent Concerns

Some parents may have concerns or questions about the immunisations. It’s part of your role to:

• Provide accurate information about the benefits and risks.
• Discuss the importance of vaccines in preventing serious diseases.
• Reassure them about the safety and testing of vaccines.

Being informed enables you to have these conversations confidently and supportively.

Final Thoughts

The immunisation schedule is a fundamental aspect of child healthcare. As an early years practitioner, understanding this schedule helps you play an essential role in safeguarding the health of the children you care for. Always ensure that your knowledge of the immunisation timetable is current, as schedules can be updated based on new health information. Armed with this understanding, you can contribute positively to the well-being and health protection of every child you support.