Child Health

Child Health Checks

Child health record book - the 'Red Book'
All parents are given a red booklet in which to record details of your child's health. This contains graphs to plot weight and height as well as pages for the doctor or health visitor to fill in during the health surveillance checks. The booklet also includes lots of helpful hints regarding your child's health and development. It is well worth reading and keeping up to date. Please bring it with you whenever you see a doctor.

• 10 day check
  There is a general check of the mother's and babies health with a general examination made for abnormalities or signs or infection.
• 8 week check
  You will be offered a general check on your baby's health and development. The nurse will start the vaccination programme with polio drops by mouth and a single Diphtheria, Tetanus, Whooping cough and Haemophilus vaccination in your baby's leg.
• 12 week booster vaccination
  The first booster Polio and DPTHib vaccination.
• 16 week booster vaccination
  A second booster Polio and DPTHib vaccination.
• 8 month check
  The Health Visitor will check your child's development including a hearing test.
• 1 year vaccination
  The nurse gives the Measles, Mumps and Rubella combined vaccine.
• 18 month check
  The Health Visitor checks your child's general development.
• 3 year check
  The Health Visitor checks development of language and vision.
• 4½ year check
  The Doctor checks your child's heart and make sure that development has been satisfactory. The nurse will give the pre-school Diphtheria, Tetanus and Polio booster vaccination and Measles, Mumps & Rubella booster (MMR).

Baby Vaccinations

Invitations for routine childhood vaccinations are sent to you by the health authority. On receipt please contact the surgery to make an appointment with the practice nurse.

Please note immunisations will only be administered if the red book (parent held record) is brought to the appointment. This book contains information on the child's full immunisation history and ensures that your child receives appropriate care.

If the child is brought to an immunisation appointment by some one other than a parent, the carer MUST bring a consent form signed by the parent, listing all the immunisations to be given and the appointment date.

A list of the immunisations and the stages are which they are given are to be found in the child's red book (parent held record).

Leaflets with more information about vaccinations can be obtained from the Health Visitors who are also happy to discuss any queries you may have. If your child receives vaccinations at any other surgery or clinic please inform the surgery so our records can be updated.

Childhood Immunisation Schedules

This advice is based upon advice from the 'UK Joint Committee for Vaccination and Immunisation' (JCVI). The final decision on whether to receive these vaccines is dependant upon agreement between the patient, parent and the administering doctor or nurse.

At birth

• Tuberculosis (BCG) for those with infected or previously infected family members; immigrants from countries with a high prevalence of tuberculosis and their children and infants. 
  
• Hepatitis B for babies born to mothers who are chronic carriers of hepatitis B virus or to mothers who have had acute hepatitis B during pregnancy plus their close family members.
  

2nd, 3rd and 4th months

• Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis and poliomyelitis (DTP + P) 
  
• Haemophilus influenzae type b (HiB) 
  
• Meningococcal serogroup C (MenC)
  

12-15 months

• Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR).
  

Pre-school

• Diphtheria, tetanus, acellular pertussis and poliomyelitis boosters (DTaP + P) 
  
• Measles, mumps, rubella booster (MMR).

14 years

• Rubella (girls only). Once the cohort of children who have been immunised at 12-15 months and again pre-school reaches this age this extra dose is unlikely to be necessary
• Diphtheria, tetanus and poliomyelitis boosters (dT and P).

10-14 years

• Tuberculosis (BCG) if PPD skin test negative
  

Further information can be found at www.immunisation.org.uk

The Health Visitors

There are currently two Health Visitors attached to the practice.

• June Dunn 
  
• Sharon Gleasure 
  
• Gill Harvey (Health Visitor Assistant)
  

Their office is based within the surgery on the first floor. They are available for consultation and advice either personally or by telephoning between: -

8.30 am & 10.00 am on Tel. 01582 769344

All children under five are allocated a Health visitor once born or shortly after moving into the area.  The Health Visitor is responsible for contacting you after the birth of your child and for arranging child health assessments and giving advice during the pre-school years. 

You may wish to meet your Health Visitor before having your baby or after moving to Harpenden and to do so please contact their telephone number as above.