The Best Guide for the Portsmouth Area

Be a Hero and Get Your Child Vaccinated

Be a hero and get your child vaccinated!

That's the message from the Southampton, Hampshire, Isle of Wight and Portsmouth PCT Cluster as it launches the ‘Be a hero' campaign in Portsmouth.

"Childhood vaccinations are an extremely important, safe and effective way of preventing illness and death due to infectious disease in children," said Dr Paul Edmondson-Jones, director of public health in Portsmouth. "Over the years vaccines have saved thousands of children's lives and are widely seen as the second most-effective public health intervention behind the provision of clean water."

"Protecting your child from these diseases is simple, you just need to make an appointment for your child each time they are invited for a vaccination. It is important to remember that many of these vaccinations need booster injections to ensure your child receives the full protection," explained Dr Edmondson-Jones. "I would urge parents to be heroes and ensure their child receives every vaccination they are offered. I know it can be confusing but your GP will happily discuss any concerns you may have."

Vaccines are offered to all children in the UK and they provide protection against diseases such as Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, Polio, Pneumococcal infections, Meningitis C, Haemophilus Influenza type B (HiB) infections, Measles, Mumps, Rubella and Human Papillomavirus Infection (HPV). 

Most childhood vaccines are given at GP surgeries, and parents should receive invites for vaccinations at the correct intervals either from their GP practice or the Child Health Records Department. If you have any queries about your child's vaccinations contact your GP practice.

The HPV vaccination is given in schools by the School Nursing Service and girls will be invited to attend for vaccination.

Some children also need seasonal flu vaccination. Children over six months old with chronic heart, respiratory, liver, kidney or neurological disease, diabetes or immunosuppression should receive this vaccine. This vaccination is provided by GP practices and parents will be contacted to arrange appointments to administer flu vaccine. If you are unsure whether your child needs a flu vaccine please contact your GP practice. 

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