Mum guilt is absolutely normal… and in this article, I’m going to write about the 8 week vaccinations and 12 week vaccinations that babies in the UK have.
Today, little man has had his 12 week vaccinations. The way he looked into my eyes as the needle went in broke my heart. I have to say, though, that I didn’t well up and cry this time like I did when he had his 8 week vaccinations. Some parents will tell you that the more children you have, the easier it gets – this hasn’t been true for me, or maybe it’s the seven year gap in between my two youngest, so I’d forgotten the overwhelming sense of mum guilt at knowingly hurting my baby.
What do the 8 and 12 week vaccinations protect against?
The first set of vaccinations that a baby receives is at around 8 weeks old hence the name 8 week vaccinations or jabs as they are commonly known by. Known as the ‘6-in-1’ vaccine, one of the jabs provides protection against six serious childhood diseases: diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, polio, Haemophilus influenzae type b (known as Hib) and hepatitis B. Babies also receive the pneumococcal vaccine, which helps protect against pneumococcal infections like pneumonia and meningitis. A third separate vaccine, the rotavirus one, is also given as part of the 8 week and 12 week vaccinations.
How are the vaccines administered?
The 6-in-1 vaccine is injected into the thigh of the baby. The pneumococcal vaccine is also given in a separate injection, usually in the opposite thigh. The vaccines are combined to reduce the number of injections your baby has to receive. A rotavirus vaccine, given in liquid form in the mouth, forms part of the 8 week vaccinations, too. The latter is a live vaccine, so it is vital that you focus on hand hygiene when changing your baby’s nappies, especially if you have a compromised immune system.
What are the risks?
With all medical procedures, there is a risk. It would be daft for anyone to say otherwise. However, as parents and carers, it is up to us to weigh up the risks on both sides i.e. the risks from having the 8 week vaccinations (and 12 week!) versus the risk of not having these vaccines.
These vaccinations are important to protect your baby from these diseases as they are all potentially serious, some even life-threatening. Whooping cough and meningitis are particularly dangerous, especially for newborn babies, with life changing complications for babies lucky enough to survive. The rotavirus vaccine is also important as rotavirus infections can lead to dehydration, which can be dangerous in young babies.
It is worth noting that babies can experience some side effects after their 8 week vaccinations (and 12 weeks, too!), which is absolutely normal. They may experience a slight fever, which can be treated with Calpol (other brands are available!), and/or soreness at the injection site. However, serious side effects are rare. It is important to monitor your baby and follow the advice of your doctor or nurse on how to manage any side effects. You will usually be given a leaflet about the vaccinations and what to look for.
What are my thoughts?
I wouldn’t just give my baby injections at the drop of a hat because some pseudoscientist advised me to. The 8 and 12 week vaccinations are based on years and years of research. The risks of becoming seriously ill following them are so low, and what could happen without them could be so serious – I wouldn’t forgive myself if I didn’t protect against one of these diseases and little man ended up contracting one of them. These are not your regular childhood illnesses that come and go pretty quickly. In this part of the world, some diseases are pretty much extinct as the result of good immunisation programmes – so we must be doing something right in the UK.
Long live the NHS!
