The routine vaccinations
While she is at school your child is only likely to be offered two vaccinations - the meningitis C and the BCG (to protect against TB).
The BCG is offered annually to children aged 10-14. Pat Jackson, professional officer for school health and public health at the Community Practitioners' and Health Visitors' Association says: 'Over the last 10 years many people have questioned the need for routine BCG vaccination, but TB has made a comeback and the World Health Organisation has declared it a worldwide epidemic. Routine vaccination still offers the best protection.'
There has been a Government programme to vaccinate all school-age children against Meningitis C since 1999, and last year the inoculation officially became part of the UK childhood immunisation programme.
What's the procedure?
In the UK there are no obligatory vaccinations. Your child's school issues a consent form and information explaining what the vaccination is, its benefits and side effects. You can choose whether or not to have your child vaccinated, but you must give or withhold your consent in writing.
With the BCG your child will have a skin test, called a Heath test to see if she already has immunity to TB. Some children have natural immunity, others may have been vaccinated as babies. The school nurse or doctor will use a stamp-like device to make eight tiny pricks on the forearm, which do not puncture the skin and don't hurt. The results come through a week later.
Both meningitis C and BCG are given as an injection by the school nurse or doctor. If your child is absent from school on the day, her name would be added to the next year's programme. However, if you intend taking your child abroad within the year, Jackson suggests you should have her immunised against TB first. GPs do not offer the BCG, so you should make an appointment at the chest clinic of your local hospital.
Keeping calm
Few children relish the idea of an injection, but for some it can be particularly traumatic. 'Some children go into a panic when they are waiting for the jab,' explains Pat Jackson. 'If this happens the school nurse will take her aside, calm her down, explain the procedure and, if necessary, give the injection separate from the other children. You can accompany your child if you feel that it would help. This is fine if your child is younger, but many 11-year-olds would be too embarrassed about having Mum or Dad in school to hold their hand.'
If your child is anxious before going to school, explain to her what the vaccination involves and why you want her to have it. If it is likely to hurt, don't pretend that it won't. 'If you tell her it won't hurt and it does, it's a greater shock than being prepared for a little pain,' Jackson advises. Become informed, so you can explain, for example, that even though the BCG jab may hurt a little, it is nothing compared to the nine months it takes to recover from TB.
Younger children receiving the meningitis C jab will probably get a sticker from the school nurse for being brave. You could also offer a small incentive and encourage her to take pleasure in her own courage, explaining how good it feels to overcome a fear.
To jab or not to jab?
It is your right as a parent to choose whether or not your child is immunised. If your child is on antibiotics, has a fever, is likely to have an allergic response to the injection or is immuno-suppressed because of cancer, leukaemia, or HIV, then she should not be vaccinated. For reasons of your own you may also prefer her not to have the jabs.
There are very persuasive arguments for and against immunisation, but you must satisfy yourself that you are offering your child the best chance of a healthy life.
Find out as much as you can about each vaccination programme. Talk to your health visitor, practice nurse or doctor about any doubts or questions you may have. It is easy to get alarmed at the thought of your child either being vaccine damaged or becoming seriously ill as a result of not having had the vaccine. Try to stay calm and make an informed decision based on scientific fact rather than fear or emotion.
Sheila Lavery is a health writer and mother to two girls, aged eight and five. She lives in Essex.
