|
My baby was born premature shouldn't her immunisations wait until she catches up?.
A
Although your baby may seem
very small, the Department of Health advises that your baby should be vaccinated
as per the normal recommended childhood immunisation schedule. It should be conducted
at the appropriate age and no change for prematurity is necessary.
This is based on comprehensive research that shows there is
no evidence to suggest that premature babies should delay having their vaccinations.
In fact, a premature baby’s immune system is less mature so they are at
greater risk. This is because antibodies from you are passed on to your baby
during the last 3 months of a normal term of pregnancy. So babies born early
will receive fewer antibodies from their mother to protect them against diseases.
Immunisations are given as early as possible to protect babies
from life threatening infections. They are given early as this is the time when
babies are at their most vulnerable. As your baby was born prematurely they
will have had less of your antibodies passed from the placenta to protect them
so your baby will be more at risk. Therefore it is very important that you immunize
your baby using the set schedule. It is recommended to start the immunizations
at 2 months or 8 weeks. To minimise the risk to your baby it is also best to
adhere to the schedule as much as you can as delaying the vaccinations may put
your baby at a higher risk.
Remember if you require more information you can speak to your
health visitor GP or practice nurse who will give you more information.
health visitor
back to faq's - Immunisation |
