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A WonderBaba Guide to the MMR Vaccination

 

measles-infographic CDC not just a little rash amended for IrelandThe MMR vaccine is given at twelve months of age and again when your child is in junior infants at school.  It is 95% effective at protecting against Measles, Mumps and Rubella.  Measles is a highly infections disease which is spread easily and there is a current out break in Ireland so the HSE are recommending that  anyone with young children who does not have their vaccines up to date contact their healthcare provider to arrange vaccination as soon as possible.

I would like to highlight that there is no link between the MMR and autism.  The MMR has been protecting children from these diseases since 1988.  Extensive research has been undertaken on the area.

According the the HSE parents should:

“Make sure you or your children are up to date with your MMR vaccines.

Please go to your GP for MMR vaccination if:

  • you have not had 2 doses of MMR vaccine
  • you have a preschool or primary school child who never had MMR vaccine
  • you have a primary school child who missed out on the 2nd dose
  • you are not sure if your child has had 2 doses of MMR  vaccine”

Some people diagnosed with measles attended GP surgeries and paediatric hospitals in Dublin and Meath from the 19th October 2017 and thus there is an increased likelihood that more cases will occur as these people would have been infectious.  You can be infectious for four days before the measles symptoms appear and they can be tricky to diagnose so it is obvious how this disease can be so infectious within a community.

The HPSC have advised that patients who show symptoms suggestive of measles  should stay at home, not go to school or work and phone your GP and explain that you may have measles. Those most at risk of catching measles are those who are not fully vaccinated with 2 doses of MMR vaccine such as babies younger than 12 months who are too young to be vaccinated, and those with weakened immune systems.

To learn more all about the symptoms of measles and how to treat it read my full measles blog by clicking here!

cropped-websitefeetlogo.pngI hope you have found this article helpful and if you have any questions at all please don’t hesitate to contact me by sending a private message to the WonderBaba facebook page (www.facebook.com/wonderbabacare) or by calling me (Sheena) at Milltown totalhealth Pharmacy in Dublin 6 on 012600262.  I’m always happy to help!

 

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A WonderBaba Guide to Childhood Vaccinations in Ireland!

 

It has been announced that the HSE intend to roll out a new Primary Childhood Immunisation Programme this year which will mean that all babies who are born on or after the 1st of October 2016 will receive two new vaccines as part of the programme.  The two new vaccines include MenB (at 2,4 and 12 months) and Rotavirus (at 2 and 4 months). The timing  if the 1st MenC vaccine will also change from 4 to 6 months and the timing of the third PCV will change from 12 to 13 months.  Currently Hib and MenC are given as two separate vaccines but will now change to one injection which combines the two vaccinations at 13 months. The changes are best understood by looking at the following chart:

the new pci schedule

Reference : http://www.immunisation.ie

The vaccines which are shown in yellow text are new and the ones in green text in the chart have had changes to the timings as described above.  Children who have started on the ‘old schedule’ i.e those born before the 1st October 2016 will complete the ‘old schedule’.  As a parent of three I understand that vaccination schedules will change with time and that the most relevant vaccines at the time of my children’s birth have been offered to them.  There has to be a starting point for any new vaccination schedule and I suppose this is why there is no ‘catch up’ programme planned that I am aware of. Any parent of a child born before the 1st October 2016 who wishes to get their child vaccinated against MenB or the Rotavirus will have to discuss it with their GP who may prescribe it for them privately but the parent would need to pay for the vaccinations as they will not be covered under the child’s state funded immunisation schedule.

The changes to the Primary Immunisation Programme are very likely to go ahead but the HSE have yet to engage in negotiations with the Irish Medicines Organisation (who represent the GP’s who are responsible for administering the vaccines) to form an agreed framework for the implementation of the programme. Once that has been completed then the new vaccination programme should go ahead as planned.

The Primary Childhood Immunisation programme exists to help protect our babies and children from preventable diseases.  The more we vaccinate the more we move towards eradicating these diseases from Irish health. Whilst I strongly advise vaccination it is also only fair to point out that it is optional and you should always offer your consent before a vaccination takes place.  This article aims to allow you to make that decision in a more informed manner.  I hope for you to understand what vaccines your child is receiving and for what illnesses. I also hope you will find my ‘Parents Tips’ at the end useful for making the vaccination process less scary and intimidating for your child as a relaxed and prepared parent allows a child to be confident and relaxed in your care. Continue reading →