Menu
09/08/2004
New 5-in-1 infant vaccination jab unveiled
The government has announced plans for a new five-in-one combined vaccination for babies and children.
The new single jab will protect children against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib), and polio.
The new vaccine replaces the separate vaccines already administered to babies. The polio vaccine will be incorporated into the single jab and will no longer contain a live version of the polio, removing the theoretical risk of contracting the disease. The whooping cough component of the vaccine is also new and should cause fewer of the minor reactions seen in children, the health department said.
The new vaccines are also mercury free, meeting the internationally-agreed aim of reducing children's exposure to mercury where possible.
Health Minister John Hutton said that the changes set out today would "further improve the programme and benefit children".
He added: "The polio component is safer than the previous oral vaccine and the switch to acellular pertussis will mean children are less likely to suffer from minor reactions such as swelling and redness."
The new vaccines for primary, pre-school and teenage immunisation will be introduced from late September this year. Parents and health professionals will be able to access information about the changes to the routine programme on the new immunisation website www.immunisation.nhs.uk
(gmcg)
The new single jab will protect children against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib), and polio.
The new vaccine replaces the separate vaccines already administered to babies. The polio vaccine will be incorporated into the single jab and will no longer contain a live version of the polio, removing the theoretical risk of contracting the disease. The whooping cough component of the vaccine is also new and should cause fewer of the minor reactions seen in children, the health department said.
The new vaccines are also mercury free, meeting the internationally-agreed aim of reducing children's exposure to mercury where possible.
Health Minister John Hutton said that the changes set out today would "further improve the programme and benefit children".
He added: "The polio component is safer than the previous oral vaccine and the switch to acellular pertussis will mean children are less likely to suffer from minor reactions such as swelling and redness."
The new vaccines for primary, pre-school and teenage immunisation will be introduced from late September this year. Parents and health professionals will be able to access information about the changes to the routine programme on the new immunisation website www.immunisation.nhs.uk
(gmcg)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
17 November 2011
Flu Vaccination Delayed For 'More Advice'
The Department of Health has said on Thursday that it needs further advice from the committee looking into the flu vaccine before it can roll out a larger programme. The announcement follows a request from Health Secretary Andrew Lansley to look at whether the flu vaccination programme should be extended to healthy children.
Flu Vaccination Delayed For 'More Advice'
The Department of Health has said on Thursday that it needs further advice from the committee looking into the flu vaccine before it can roll out a larger programme. The announcement follows a request from Health Secretary Andrew Lansley to look at whether the flu vaccination programme should be extended to healthy children.
20 February 2004
Anti-polio vaccination programme to target Africa's 63m children
African countries have today begun a massive, synchronized polio immunization campaign which aims to vaccinate 63 million children over the next few days. The programme kicked off one month after an emergency WHO meeting of Health Ministers committed to end polio transmission in 2004.
Anti-polio vaccination programme to target Africa's 63m children
African countries have today begun a massive, synchronized polio immunization campaign which aims to vaccinate 63 million children over the next few days. The programme kicked off one month after an emergency WHO meeting of Health Ministers committed to end polio transmission in 2004.
09 September 2005
Millions of children to benefit from vaccination
Millions of children around the world are set to benefit from a plan to provide funding for vaccination programmes in developing countries. The funding initiative will provide an initial £2 billion over a ten-year period to fund health programmes to cut deaths from many common childhood illnesses such as polio, measles, and diphtheria.
Millions of children to benefit from vaccination
Millions of children around the world are set to benefit from a plan to provide funding for vaccination programmes in developing countries. The funding initiative will provide an initial £2 billion over a ten-year period to fund health programmes to cut deaths from many common childhood illnesses such as polio, measles, and diphtheria.
24 August 2004
Polio outbreak spreads after Nigeria suspends immunisation
The polio outbreak that originated in northern Nigeria after suspension there of immunisation last year has now spread to 12 other countries, according to the UN's health agency.
Polio outbreak spreads after Nigeria suspends immunisation
The polio outbreak that originated in northern Nigeria after suspension there of immunisation last year has now spread to 12 other countries, according to the UN's health agency.
05 February 2008
No Link Between MMR Jab And Development Of Autism
A substantial new study into the effects of the MMR Vaccination has presented no evidence to link it to children developing autism.
No Link Between MMR Jab And Development Of Autism
A substantial new study into the effects of the MMR Vaccination has presented no evidence to link it to children developing autism.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
