When babies are born they have little immunity to disease which makes them susceptible to the sorts of bugs we, as adults, can fight off. Vaccines will give their immune system the help it needs to protect them against serious illnesses, so it’s really important to make sure your baby is immunised to stop them getting sick.

All babies – even premature ones – should be immunised from two months. Around this time they start to lose any immunity they may have picked up from you. You’ll usually receive a letter from your health visitor giving you a date for your baby’s immunisations. If you can’t make this, your health visitor or doctor will be able to reschedule for you.

Immunisations have an excellent safety record and allergic reactions to vaccines are very rare. Sometimes, babies experience redness or swelling at the site of the injection so it’s good to have some paracetamol suitable for babies on hand just in case.

Occasionally babies experience very mild symptoms of the diseases they are being immunised against. But it is unlikely your child will suffer any serious side effects or complications. Your baby is at much greater risk from the disease itself if they are not protected.

If you are worried your baby is having an adverse reaction to a vaccine, speak to your health visitor or doctor.

For more information on vaccinations and their timelines click here.