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.
| AGE | DOSE |
| 2-3 months | One small (2.5ml) spoonful to be given ONCE only. Contact your doctor before giving any more doses |
| 3 months-1 year | One or two small (2.5ml) spoonfuls every four to six hours* |
| 1-5 years | One or two large (5ml) spoonfuls every four to six hours.* |
| 6-12 years | Two 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.