USE: Childhood immunisation against diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, Hib and polio.
The 5-in-1 jab is a combination injection given to protect babies from diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, Hib and polio.
It is given to babies over the age of 2 months.
Previously, all babies would have had a four-in-one injection and take the polio vaccine orally. The 5-in-1 jab ads protection against polio in injection form.
Why a new jab?
The new jab is being introduced for two reasons:
1. To replace the live oral polio vaccine (which carries a very small risk of causing paralytic polio), with an inactivated vaccine.
2. To introduce a new acellular whooping cough vaccine, instead of the whole cell vaccine.
Although they are equally effective, the acellular vaccine gives fewer temperatures, sore arms and general malaise that children can get in the 48 hours after they are immunised.
Safety
The 5-in-1 jab is even safer than the 4-in-1 jab it replaces.
Some health campaigners have voiced concern about the new jab amid fears that it could "overload" the immune system. However, health officials have stated that the 5-in-1 jab has notably fewer side effects than the current regimen.
Unlike the 4-in-1 vaccine, the formulation does not contain mercury. There is no link between the vaccine & autism.
The formulation has already been used in Canada for 7 years, where follow-up studies have revealed no problem with side effects.
Alternatives
Private clinics and surgeries may be able to offer the components of the five-in-one jab as individual injections.
However, there will be a time delay between individual jabs, which potentially leaves children more susceptible to getting these diseases (which can be fatal).
Getting help
If you do not immunise your child, you are putting them at an unnecessary risk of catching a potentially fatal disease that could easily be prevented through immunisation.
Some parents may consider putting off getting their children immunised through fear of vaccinations. However, this is not advisable since you will be putting your child at risk.
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