Information for parents who have children aged 4 years.

Children need to get booster doses of some vaccines in school to protect them against
diseases.

When your child is aged 4 to 5 years, they will be offered two vaccines:

• the 4 in 1 booster to protect against diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), polio and tetanus; and
• a second dose of the MMR vaccine to protect against measles, mumps and rubella.

Immunisation

What is immunisation?

Immunisation is a simple, safe and effective way of protecting your child
against certain diseases. Children and young people in Ireland are entitled to
certain vaccinations and immunisation services free of charge. These vaccines are
provided in a range of settings: by your GP, in hospitals, at Health Centres,
at home or at school.

Is immunisation free?

Vaccinations under the Childhood Immunisation Programme in Ireland are provided
free of charge to all children. The childhood immunisation programme protects
children from the following: Tuberculosis, Diphtheria, Tetanus, Whooping cough
(Pertussis), HiB (Haemophilus influenzae B), Polio, Meningitis C, Measles,
Mumps and Rubella.

Are vaccines safe?

The vaccines used in Ireland are safe. All medicines can cause side effects,
but with vaccines these are usually mild, like a sore arm or leg or a slight
fever.

Serious side effects to vaccines are extremely rare. Research from around the
world shows that immunisation is the safest way to protect your child’s health.
Your doctor or nurse can discuss the risks with you before giving your child
their vaccines. All the recommended vaccines used to protect children in
Ireland are licensed by the Irish Medicines Board or the European Medicines
Evaluation Agency. They are allowed to be used only after they have been shown
to be both effective and safe.

Where can I get my child immunised?

The HSE recommends that all parents bring their children for immunisation,
which is free from your GP. If you have any more questions or need more
information, you can visit the HSE website – www.immunisation.ie, or
speak to your GP or your Practice Nurse.