Having your child immunised gives extra protection against illnesses which can kill. This top up is called a booster. All immunisations, except polio, are given with a small needle into the upper arm, thigh or buttock. Children may cry and be upset for a few minutes, but they usually settle down after a cuddle. If you don t want to be in the room when your child has the injection, tell the nurse or doctor beforehand.
Some parents find it helpful to take a friend or partner to hold the child during the injection.
There are very few reasons why a child should not be immunised. Before any vaccine can be used it has to go through many tests. Research from all over the world shows that vaccines are the safest way of protecting your child s health. Each vaccine is continually checked after it has been introduced and action is taken if it is needed. If a vaccine is not safe it is not used.