Why Vaccines Are One of Medicine's Greatest Achievements
Vaccines have saved more lives than almost any other medical intervention in history. Diseases that once killed or disabled millions of children — smallpox, polio, measles — are now preventable or eliminated.
Yet despite overwhelming evidence, vaccine hesitancy remains a challenge. Our paediatric team at Nestiva answers the most common questions we hear from parents, based on the best available evidence.
The UK / International Immunisation Schedule
Birth
- Hepatitis B (if mother is hepatitis B positive)
8 Weeks
- 6-in-1 (DTaP/IPV/Hib/Hep B) — Diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, polio, Hib, hepatitis B
- Rotavirus (oral)
- MenB — Meningococcal B
12 Weeks
- 6-in-1 (2nd dose)
- Rotavirus (2nd dose, oral)
- PCV (Pneumococcal)
16 Weeks
- 6-in-1 (3rd dose)
- MenB (2nd dose)
12–13 Months
- MMR — Measles, mumps, rubella
- MenB (booster)
- MenC
- Hib/MenC (booster)
- PCV (booster)
2–3 Years Annually
- Influenza (nasal spray)
3 Years 4 Months
- 4-in-1 pre-school booster (DTaP/IPV)
- MMR (2nd dose)
12–13 Years (Girls and Boys)
- HPV — Human papillomavirus (2 doses)
14 Years
- 3-in-1 teenage booster (Td/IPV)
- MenACWY
The Most Common Questions We Hear
"Are vaccines safe?"
Vaccines are among the most rigorously tested medical products in history. Before licensing, each vaccine undergoes:
- Phase I, II, and III clinical trials involving tens of thousands of participants
- Review by independent safety committees
- Approval by regulatory bodies (MHRA, FDA, EMA)
- Ongoing post-marketing surveillance (Yellow Card scheme, VAERS)
Serious adverse events are rare — typically less than 1 in 100,000 doses. The risks of the diseases vaccines prevent are far greater.
"Can my child receive multiple vaccines at once?"
Yes. A baby's immune system can respond to thousands of antigens simultaneously from birth. The combination vaccines in the schedule are carefully designed to maximise immunity while minimising the number of injections. Studies consistently show no evidence of "immune overload."
"Do vaccines cause autism?"
No. This claim originates from a 1998 study that was later found to be fraudulent, resulting in the retraction of the paper and the author losing his medical licence. Since then, studies involving over 1.2 million children in multiple countries have found no link between any vaccine and autism.
"What if my child has an egg allergy?"
Most vaccines are safe for egg-allergic children, including MMR. The influenza vaccine contains small amounts of egg protein — speak with your paediatrician, as most children with egg allergy can still receive it under observation.
"Can I delay the schedule?"
We strongly recommend following the standard schedule. Delaying vaccines leaves children vulnerable to serious diseases during the period when they are most vulnerable. There is no scientific evidence that delayed or alternative schedules are safer.
"Which vaccines might cause reactions?"
After any vaccine, children may experience:
- Local reactions: Redness, swelling, or tenderness at the injection site (common, resolves in 1–2 days)
- Systemic reactions: Low-grade fever, irritability, mild rash (common, resolves in 1–3 days)
- Febrile convulsion: Rare (1 in 3,000 MMR doses) — concerning but generally not harmful
- Anaphylaxis: Very rare (1–2 per million doses) — managed immediately in clinic
"What should I do after vaccination?"
- Stay for 15 minutes after the injection for observation
- Paracetamol/ibuprofen for fever or discomfort (check age-appropriate dosing)
- Breastfeed if possible — this soothes babies
- Watch for: Fever above 39°C, persistent crying for more than 3 hours, rash, or any concerning symptoms — contact your doctor or NHS 111
Our Paediatric Promise at Nestiva
We understand that watching your child receive injections is distressing. Our paediatric team makes the experience as gentle and calm as possible:
- Distraction techniques (bubbles, music, stories) during injections
- Topical anaesthetic cream (EMLA) available — ask your nurse in advance
- Child-friendly consultation rooms designed to reduce anxiety
- Digital vaccine records available immediately in our patient portal
- Same-day callbacks for any post-vaccine concerns
If you have questions about your child's vaccine schedule, our paediatric nurses run a weekly open clinic — no appointment needed.
