Children’s’ Immunisations

Vaccinations and Immunisations recommended by the Department of Health are given by the Practice Nurse during morning surgery. They may only be given when there is a doctor on the premises.

Non-urgent advice: Notice

The child must be accompanied by a parent or the legal guardian and the child’s personal health record book must be brought to the appointment or the vaccination/immunisation will NOT be given.

Measures to Control a child’s Temperature Following Immunisation

A rise in temperature sometimes occurs after any of the immunisations. This may occur in the first 24 to 48 hours, but in the case of MMR may occur about a week after the vaccination.

If this occurs, follow the instructions below:

  • Avoid over-wrapping and over-dressing
  • Give extra clear fluids
  • Paracetamol suspension (120mg in 5ml) e.g. Calpol, Disprol, may be given in the doses shown below to help bring down your child’s temperature. Most products come with a double measuring spoon, a small spoon (2.5ml) at one end and a large spoon (5ml) at the other.
AGEDOSE
2-3 monthsOne small (2.5ml) spoonful to be given ONCE only. Contact your doctor before giving any more doses
3 months-1 yearOne or two small (2.5ml) spoonfuls every four to six hours*
1-5 yearsOne or two large (5ml) spoonfuls every four to six hours.*
6-12 yearsTwo to four large (5ml) spoonfuls every four to six hours.*
Do not give more than four doses in 24 hours

If your child’s temperature persists please contact your doctor.

Child with a Temperature – Additional Advice

The measures above will help you to bring your child’s temperature down, to avoid a convulsion, and make the child feel better.

Note: You will not make your child worse if you take him or her in a pram or car to see the doctor. Sometimes the fresh air makes feverish children feel better.

A child develops a temperature in response to an infection. Usually the child will get over the infection without antibiotics. Most childhood infections are caused by viruses, which do not respond to antibiotics.

A few children, usually under five years old, will have a convulsion with a high temperature: the child suddenly shakes all over then becomes very still. The convulsion should subside in less than five minutes. Lie the child on its side and stay with him/her. Telephone the doctor.