The Mother and Infant Care Scheme provides an agreed programme of care to all expectant mothers who are resident in Ireland. This is a service provided by a family doctor of your choice and a hospital obstetrician.

At Athboy Family Practice, we are pleased to offer this service to our patients. You do not need a medical card.

To avail of this service, your GP will provide you with an application form, which you and your GP should complete together, and which your GP will forward to the HSE for approval. The Doctor provides an initial examination, if possible before 12 weeks. A further five ante-natal consultations will be due during the pregnancy (6 if it your second or subsequent child). These visits are alternated with visits to the maternity unit or hospital. The schedule of visits may be changed by your doctor and/or hospital obstetrician depending on your individual situation. Where an expectant mother suffers from a significant illness affecting the pregnancy, eg, diabetes or hypertension, up to five additional visits to the doctor may be provided. Please note that the Mother and Infant Scheme only cover these specific visits relating to your pregnancy. Visits in respect of other matters  (eg, colds, coughs, illnesses, etc) will be charged as normal. After the birth, you can arrange an appointment for baby’s check at two weeks, and both mother and baby at 6 weeks free of charge. All other postnatal visits will be charged as normal. The public health nurse also normally visits the mother and baby at home during the first six weeks. At the 6 week check an appointment will be arranged for baby’s first vaccinations with our Practice Nurse.

It is important to bring your baby for vaccination when he or she is due as this offers the best protection against illness.

Childhood Immunisation Chart
B.C.G.: (TB) ->Provided at Clinic/Hospital after Birth.
6 IN 1 +PCV: -> Provided by your GP at 2 months.
6 IN 1+MENC: -> Provided by your GP at 4 months.
6 IN 1 + PCV &MEN C: -> Provided by your GP at 6 months.
MMR + PCV: -> Provided by your GP at 12 months.
MEN C + Hib: -> Provided by your GP at 13 months.
4 in 1 + MMR: -> Provided by your GP at 4-5 years.

Childhood vaccination schedule explained:
6 IN 1:
Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, Pollio, Hib and Hepatitis B Vaccine
PCV:
Pneumococcal Vaccine
MEN C:
Meningococcal C Vaccine
MMR:
Measles, Mumps, RubellaVaccine
4 IN 1:
Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis and Polio Vaccine.

Further information available from: www.immunisation.ie