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Kids are constantly passing on their germs in the playground. Some illnesses are unavoidable but it is possible to prevent them getting some serious diseases through immunisation.

Vaccines work by stimulating the immune system to develop protection (antibodies) against infectious diseases caused by bacteria and viruses, in a controlled and safe way without causing the full-blown disease. The immune system is designed to remember how to fight against the disease if exposed to that particular bacterium or virus again.

The NHS introduced changes to the Routine Immunisation Programme in September 2007, offering all babies and children in the UK vaccines against key diseases for free. The idea behind offering widespread immunisation is to eradicate these highly infectious diseases which could cause serious disability, long term health problems and even death. If most children are immunised, the spread of these diseases is reduced significantly and even unvaccinated children are at much less risk of catching the illness.

When to immunise

• DtaP/IPV/HiB (diptheria, tetanus, acellular pertusis, polio, Haemophilus influenza type B)
• PVC (Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine). Given by one, five-in-one injection.

• DtaP/IPV/HiB
• Men C (meningococcus type C). Given by one, five-in-one injection.

• DtaP/IPV/HiB
• Men C
• PVC

Immunisation for babies from the ages of two months and pre-school children are usually combined with a routine medical examination from your local doctor. The Td/IPV vaccine is given to children at school from a registered medical practitioner.

Following the schedule of immunisation will protect against diphtheria and tetanus for at least 10 years, whooping cough (acellular pertusis) for at least 3 years and potentially life long immunity against polio, meninigococccus, meningitis C, measles, mumps and rubella.

However some parents would prefer not to immunise, deciding to leave it to nature as they feel the probability of infection is now so unlikely it is not worth risking the side affects. These can be minor such as sore, red spots at the site of injection, fever, raised temperature, sickness, diarrhoea, swollen glands to more severe reactions such as shortness of breath, rash, lethargy, inconsolable high pitched crying and even fits, called a febrile convulsion.

It's important to weight up the risks against the benefits of taking any medication so always talk to your doctor for professional advice.