1. Stations about childhood immunisation schedules test two aspects: your ability to communicate with parents and also your knowledge of the schedule and any questions the parents may have about the immunisations.
2. Start by introducing yourself to the parent(s), make sure that they are comfortable and also that the room is set up suitably for the consultation.
3. You should say that you have been asked to speak to them about immunisations and explain that you will take them through the schedule step by step. Ideally you should answer any questions they may have after you have been through the list of immunisations.
4. The current timetable for immunisations is shown in the table below:
| Age at Immunisation | Immunisations Given |
|---|---|
| 2 Months | Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, Polio & Haemophilus Influenzae B (HIB) - all as one injection. Pneumococcal vaccine as a separate injection. |
| 3 Months | Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, Polio & Haemophilus Influenzae B (HIB) - all as one injection. Meningitis C as a separate injection. |
| 4 Months | Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, Polio & Haemophilus Influenzae B (HIB) - all as one injection. Meningitis C and pneumococcal vaccinations as separate injections. |
| 12 Months | Haemophilus Influenzae B (HIB) and a Meningitis C booster as one injection. |
| 13 Months | Measles, Mumps & Rubella (MMR) as one injection and a pneumococcal booster injection. |
| Between 3 Years 4 Months & 5 Years | Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis & Polio - all as one injection. MMR - as one injection. |
| Between 13 Years & 18 Years | Diphtheria, Tetanus & Polio - all as one injection. |
5. There are non-routine vaccinations which may be given at birth. If the baby is felt to be more at risk to exposure to tuberculosis than the general population they may be given the BCG vaccination. If the child's mother in Hepatitis B positive then the Hepatitis B vaccination is given.
6. It is paramount that you know this schedule. However, you are likely to be asked questions about the various immunisations. Therefore, you should be certain to know about them all, including whether they are live or not, any likely side effects and any contra-indications.
7. At the end of the consultation ensure that the parent understands everything you have told them and has no more questions.
© Matthew Green and Laura Henderson 2006.