Why are vaccinations so important?
As children grow up, they can be exposed to infections. Most of these only cause mild illnesses. However, despite great medical advances, some infections can still cause severe illness, disability and, at times, death.
The benefit of immunisation is that your child has the best possible protection against vaccine preventable diseases.
Once your child is immunised they're also helping to protect the health of the whole community. When enough people are immunised against an infection, it's more difficult for it to be spread to those who are not immunised. This is important because children with some severe medical conditions and allergies can't have certain immunisations.
You might hear people talk about ‘vaccines’, or ‘immunisations’, or even ‘jabs’ or ‘jags’. While there are differences between them, they lead to the same thing – a child who is protected from vaccine preventable diseases.
Top tips for taking wee ones for vaccinations
Most children don't like getting a vaccine, and no parent likes seeing their wee one get upset. It's natural to worry that your child's vaccination will hurt. They may feel some discomfort and be upset for a few minutes, but they will usually settle down after a cuddle.
Talk to the person giving the vaccination and let them know how you and your child are feeling. They are here to help and have lots of experience. There are also things you can do to help, here are some tips to make your appointment go as smoothly as possible.
Tip #1: Stay calm
Tip #1: Stay calm
Tip #2: Talk them through what will happen before their appointment
Tip #2: Talk them through what will happen before their appointment
Tip #3: Dress them in practical clothing
Tip #3: Dress them in practical clothing
Tip #4: Keep them occupied
Tip #4: Keep them occupied
Tip #5: Do something fun afterwards
Tip #5: Do something fun afterwards
Immunisations during pregnancy
If you’re pregnant you should attend your vaccination appointments as normal. NHS Scotland recommends that pregnant women should have the COVID-19, flu and whooping cough vaccines.
It’s important to get immunised to protect yourself and your baby.
Before attending an appointment make sure you are not showing any symptoms of COVID-19.
Stay updated about the immunisations offered during pregnancy at NHS inform.
The NHS is here for you
It’s important that you go to your GP or hospital like you usually would if there is anything wrong. Trust your instincts. If you or your child has a health concern, contact your GP surgery or phone 111 for out of hours support, and call 999 if it's an emergency. Your NHS is here for you. Appointments may feel a little different – they might happen on the phone or even by video link. If your GP thinks you need to be seen face to face that will be arranged.
If you’re wondering how health services are different as a result of coronavirus or which service is right for you, this page on NHS Inform has more information.
During this time you might want to avoid hospitals or surgeries because you are worried about getting COVID-19. COVID wards are separate to A&E so you shouldn’t put off getting treatment.
If your child is unwell, this PDF from the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health also has further guidance.
Further information
You can find out more about childhood immunisations at NHS inform.