How can I book an appointment for my baby or child?
You can book an appointment by calling our Practice Reception on 0207 402 4026.
When booking your child’s immunisation appointment, try and pick a time when they wouldn’t usually be having their sleep time. That way they are less likely to be tired or tearful at their appointment.
If you have questions or worries about your baby’s immunisations, you can speak with our Practice Nurse or your baby’s midwife to make sure you have all the information you need.
Where do we provide immunisation appointments for babies and children?
Appointments for baby and child immunisations are based in the Practice.
Who will my baby or child see when we attend an immunisation appointment?
You will see a member of our Practice Nursing team, which includes four Practice Nurses (female).
How should I prepare for my baby or child’s immunisation appointment?
We know mornings can be busy but take a moment to consider what you dress your child in that day. Babies under 12 months old have injections in the thigh so dressing your baby in clothes that are easy to remove can be helpful. If you are taking a toddler or a young child for their appointment, they will have their injection in their arm, so it can help to dress them in loose-fitting clothing or short sleeves.
About to leave the house? Remember to take your Red Book with you (personal child health record) where your child’s vaccination details will be recorded. Give yourself plenty of time to get to your child’s appointment, so that both you and your child arrive feeling calm, without any added anxiety.
What would happen in our appointment?
- Feel free to talk to the Practice Nurse about any worries or questions you may have. This may include concerns around ingredients or other vaccines your child might have missed.
- If you are taking your baby (under 6 months) for their vaccine, giving them a cradling cuddle and letting them hear your voice can help keep your baby calm.
- For babies between 6 to 12 months, a cuddle in an upright position works well. Having your baby’s favourite blanket may be comforting to them, as it will smell familiar.
- For young children, hold your child on your knee as their vaccination is given or ask a member of the practice to help you with this if you are uneasy around injections.
- For young children, try to explain very simply what is going to happen. An example of this might be, “You might feel a tiny scratch, but it will go away very fast.”
- Feeling a little nervous yourself? This is really natural but if can, try to stay calm. This will help your child to feel less anxious.
- It can help to distract your child, this might be with their favourite toy, or something they can watch on your phone or tablet.
- Having their favourite snack on hand can also be a nice way to end their immunisation appointment.
What should I expect after our appointment?
- After their immunisation appointment, your child may feel a bit unsettled and may cry a little, but a cuddle can help put them at ease.
- Your child may feel a little irritable or have a high temperature for a couple of days after their immunisation. They may also have some redness or soreness in the area the injection was given. This should only last a few days.
- If you have any concerns about your child following their immunisation, please call us on 0207 402 4026 or, if out of hours, call NHS 111.