The Vaccination Schedule, as recommended by the HSE, is provided free to all children.
Immunisation is a simple, safe and effective way of protecting your child against certain diseases. The risks from having these diseases are far greater than the risk of any minor side effects from immunisation. To gain full immunity, it is important to follow the schedule as directed, where possible. The due dates are based on the child’s age by calender dates, and not by weeks.
| Age | Vaccinations |
| 2 months | 6 in 1 ( Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, Hib, Hepatitis B) +PCV (pneumococcal vaccine) |
| 4 months | 6 in 1 + Men C ( Meningitis C) |
| 6 months | 6 in 1 + PCV + Men C |
| 12 months | MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) +PCV |
| 13 months | Men C + Hib (haemophilus influenzae B) |
| 4-5 years | 4 in 1 ( Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio) + MMR [Generally, these are given in school, but they can also be given in the surgery] |
| 11 – 14 years | MMR and second Diphtheria / tetanus booster |
Other vaccines, such as the Chickenpox vaccine, are available privately, but are not covered by the national immunisation programme.
Generally, the side effects of vaccines are mild, if at all. We at Dun Laoghaire Surgery will be happy to talk to you about these, or any concerns you may have, before you have your child vaccinated. Common reactions are soreness, swelling and redness at the site of injection, fever, irritability, off form, and off food for 24-48 hrs after the vaccine. Generally paracetamol or ibuprofen is all that is needed.
If your child is very ill or has a temperature, the immunisation should be postponed until your child is better. However, infants with minor coughs and colds, or those on antibiotics, can be immunised safely and effectively. If in doubt, let us see the child, rather than putting it off. One of our doctors will happily examine your baby, before our nurse gives the vaccines, if necessary.
For further information visit the Website: www.immunisation.ie
All medical and nursing staff at Dun Laoghaire are fully committed to the programme, and are willing to help you with any questions or worries you may have.