Most vaccinations (also known as immunisations) are given during childhood, usually by injection. Vaccination programmes have dramatically improved the health of the UK population by preventing the outbreak and spread of a number of conditions.
The childhood vaccination programme is a timetable of vaccinations recommended by the Department of Health. The aim is to protect children from preventable childhood infections.
Providing protection
Vaccinations are used to protect children from diseases such as:
- tetanus
- polio
- pneumococcal infections
- diphtheria
- meningitis C
- the human papillomavirus (HPV)
- measles, mumps and rubella (MMR)
When they are given
The vaccination programme for children mainly takes place over the first five years of their life. Most vaccinations are given before a child is one year old.
Vaccinations are often given more than once to make sure the protection continues. This is known as a booster vaccination. Children usually need booster vaccinations:
- when they have reached pre-school age (five years of age)
- before they leave school (between 13 and 18 years of age)
Vaccinations
Vaccination or immunisation is usually given by an injection that makes the body's immune system produce antibodies that will fight off a virus.
Diseases
A disease is an illness or condition that interferes with normal body functions.
MMR
MMR stands for measles, mumps and rubella. It is a vaccine that prevents measles, mumps and rubella by making the body produce antibodies that will fight off the viruses.
