Vaccinating your baby
Vaccines, or immunisations, protect babies from serious illnesses, some of which can even be life-threatening. Vaccines have a good safety profile, which means that serious side effects are very rare. They also help to prevent sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
It’s best for babies to be vaccinated at the recommended age so they are protected from diseases as early as possible. Vaccination during pregnancy is an important step too, because it’s highly effective in protecting babies against flu and whooping cough for the first few months of life, when they are most vulnerable.
After vaccinations
After vaccinations, some babies and children may cry for a little while but should feel better after a cuddle. Some may feel irritable and unwell, and may develop a high temperature (fever). You can read more about what to expect and how to prepare for your appointment from the NHS.
When babies feel unwell with a cold or fever, they may be warmer than usual. Dress them for their environment – don’t wrap them up more than usual in extra clothes and blankets.
If your baby has a fever or you’re worried about their health, call your GP or 111 for advice. If they get worse or your baby shows signs of being significantly unwell, seek medical advice straight away. The NHS has more information for parents on vaccinations, and on what to do if they have a fever, including when to call 111 and when to call 999.
Vaccinations and SIDS
Numerous studies have shown that vaccinations do not increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). In fact, babies who are up to date with their vaccinations have a lower risk of SIDS. This finding is widely accepted by researchers worldwide – read more in our evidence base.
If you have any questions or concerns or questions about immunising your child, speak to a trained health professional such as your doctor or health visitor for trustworthy information and advice.
Frequently asked questions
No. While it is natural to worry about medical interventions, and parents often ask this question, research has shown that vaccinations do not cause sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). In fact, babies who are up to date with their vaccinations actually have a lower risk of SIDS: read more about the studies in our evidence base.
While the rate of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) rose in 2018 according to the Office for National Statistics, the rate of SIDS has fallen by over 80% overall in the last 25 years in the UK. We don’t know why the SIDS rate rose in 2018, but we believe it may be linked to a reduction in support for new families and rising levels of deprivation.
There’s a lot of information on the internet about vaccinations which can be very worrying, but much of it is not accurate or not true. The best person to talk to for reliable information is a trained medical professional such as a doctor or health visitor. They will be happy to talk through any worries.
You can also find trustworthy information from public health organisations such as the World Health Organisation.
Before they are allowed to be used, all medicines including vaccines are thoroughly tested to see how safe and effective they are before they are licensed. Even after they have been licensed, their safety will still be monitored.
All medicines can cause side effects but vaccines are among the safest. Research from around the world shows that they are the safest way to protect your child’s health. Find out more from Public Health England’s guide to immunisations in babies up to 13 months of age.
Yes, vaccinating your child will protect them from a number of serious illnesses that could lead to lifelong health problems or could even be fatal.
For more information see Public Health England’s guide to immunisations in babies up to 13 months of age. and the UK Health Security Agency’s article on 14 questions new parents ask about vaccination.
Remember
It’s natural to have questions and concerns about how to look after your baby. Vaccinations are a vital part of keeping your baby safe and well as they prevent serious diseases and even help lower the risk of SIDS. This is based on a large body of research. If you have any questions or concerns, it’s best to speak to a qualified health professional or read information from a public health organisation, as they can provide the most reliable advice.
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