IMMUNISATIONS 

It is important that all children and babies are immunised. Illnesses such as DIPTHERIA, TETANUS, POLIO, MEN C AND HIB are thankfully rare now, because of recent immunisation policies, but if contracted can be serious or even fatal. WHOOPING COUGH (PERTUSSIS) is a very distressing illness with severe prolonged coughing and can lead to permanent damage. The risk of vaccination, if indeed there is any, is minute and has certainly been overstated in the past. This has unfortunately resulted in some parents deciding against the vaccination for their children and whooping cough epidemics resulted from this. If you have any worries about this please talk to your Doctor, health visitor or nurse.

MEASLES AND MUMPS are sometimes thought of as childhood ailments, but they can have serious complications. RUBELLA vaccination is important to prevent this disease spreading in the community and affecting the babies of those pregnant women who have not had the immunisation.

RECOMMENDED VACCINATION SCHEDULE

For immunised adults who have received 5 doses of tetanus/polio, booster doses are not recommended unless for travelling or occupational risk. Adults who have never been immunised will need a full course of tetanus and polio. Anyone planning a trip abroad should check with us at least two months before they travel so that we can make sure that any necessary vaccinations are completed in time.

Women who may be thinking of having children should consider having a blood test to check that they are still protected against German Measles (Rubella).

You should confirm your pregnancy with your Doctor. Most of your care during pregnancy is provided here, but we "share care" with one of the local hospitals. The midwife, in liaison with the Doctors, provides maternity care.