How vaccines protect

Offered throughout our lifetime, vaccinations protect us from potentially life-changing diseases - says Dr Sarah Ann Filson, an Infectious Diseases and Microbiology Doctor working at the Royal Free NHS Foundation Trust in London.

Dr Sarah Ann Filson answers questions about vaccinations and children’s health.

How do we know NHS vaccines are the safest way to protect children?

The vaccinations offered by the NHS, including those given in school, are thoroughly tested and millions of people across the country receive them - including those from our own communities. Authorised by the Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Agency (MHRA) they are continuously monitored for rare side effects, as well as more common symptoms like a sore arm.

The evidence around the vaccinations offered to our children is reassuring. It shows they don’t cause allergies or other conditions. There is a lot of misinformation about vaccines and if you’re concerned, please talk to your GP practice, school nurse or a pharmacist. We are here to help.

Should I vaccinate my child?

It’s your decision. If an unvaccinated child comes into close contact with someone who has a highly contagious infection like measles, it’s likely they’ll catch it too. Measles can have serious complications including pneumonia, meningitis and in rare cases death. It can also weaken a child’s immune system for a few years after infection. Vaccination is the safest way to protect against serious infectious diseases. The MMR vaccine provides protection from measles, mumps and rubella and also helps to stop their spread, protecting others who can’t have the vaccination.

How do vaccines work?

Vaccines help to train your immune system to react effectively when you come into contact with a specific infection. Making antibodies and special cells to get rid of the bugs, bacteria and viruses causing that disease, helping to protect you from getting seriously ill.

Can I check if my child has missed a vaccination?

Yes, your child’s digital health record or their red book will show if they are up to date with their vaccinations. You can also speak to your GP practice, which has a record of which vaccinations your child has had.

What can I do if my child has missed their vaccination?

By the time our children leave school, they will have typically been offered vaccinations against 18 different serious diseases or infections. If your child has missed a vaccine, including those given at school, talk to your GP practice to find out how your child can receive this. If your child is home-schooled, or not in mainstream education, and has not had all their vaccinations, contact your local authority education department. It is never too late for children to catch up on their childhood vaccinations.

Are vaccines halal or vegetarian?

Vaccinations contain different ingredients. A very small number of vaccinations contain animal products, such as gelatine, whilst some might contain products such as egg. The vaccine consent letter might tell you whether the vaccine being offered contains animal products and what is in it. You can also ask the person providing the vaccination whether it contains animal products and whether there is a suitable alternative, like the flu vaccine. You can also seek guidance from your religious leader.

Does my child need the BCG vaccine?

BCG vaccine (Bacillus Calmette-Guérin) protects against tuberculosis (TB). It is not routinely given to all children, but a small number of babies and children with an increased risk of TB may be invited for the vaccine. Babies who are in close contact with someone who has infectious TB, or live in UK areas with high TB rates, or if their parents or grandparents were born in a country with high TB rates are recommended to have the vaccine before they are 28 days old. It can also be given to older children whose parents or grandparents were born in a country with high TB rates, if they recently arrived from one of these countries, have lived with local people for 3 months or longer in countries with high TB rates or are in close contact with someone who has infectious TB.

Can my child have a COVID-19 jab?

All children aged 5 or older on 31 August 2022 can get 2 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine until 30 June 2023. Others can get the COVID-19 vaccine only if they are at higher risk due to a health condition or weakened immune system, or they live with someone who has a weakened immune system. Those with a severely weakened immune system can also get an additional, third dose.

Can my child be vaccinated against Strep A and scarlet fever?

You may have been worried about your child getting scarlet fever and group A streptococcus infections over the last few months. Whilst