The Vallance Centre


Children’s Health

Child Health Services

The doctors hold clinics for regular checks on your baby’s development and to give him/her immunisations according to the national schedule.
The National Immunisation Schedule is as follows:

  • Two Months 1st dose Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, Polio, Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) and Pneumococcal infection.
  • Three Months 2nd dose Diphtheria, Tetanus,Pertussis, Polio, Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) and Meningitis C
  • Four Months 3rd dose Diphtheria, Tetanus,Pertussis, Polio, Haemophilus influenzae type b, (Hib) Meningitis C and Pneumococcal infection.
  • 12 Months Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) and Meningococcal C infections
  • 13 Months MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella) and Pneumococcal infection.
  • 3 1⁄2 Years MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella) Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis and Polio
  • 14 Years BCG
  • 15 Years Diphtheria, Tetanus and Polio

Developmental checks for children

Primary visit Will be at 10 to 14 days by a Health Visitor.
Further contact at home will be as per parent wishes or at GP-baby clinics.
8 weeks check Will be a development check by the GP.

How to look after a child with a temperature

A child will develop a temperature because of an infection and usually the child will get over such an infection without the use of antibiotics. Most, childhood infections are caused by viruses and these do not respond to antibiotics
The advice below is to help you bring down your child’s temperature and make him/her feel better. If your child feels hot and appears unwell we recommend you undertake the following steps.

  1. Give your child Paracetamol (Calpol, DisproI, etc.) Give the maximum dose stated for a child of that age.
  2. Dress your child in cool clothes. Much heat is lost through the head, so leave it uncovered. Keep the room cool.
  3. Give your child plenty of cool drink’s as fluid is lost with a fever. If he/she is reluctant to drink, encourage small amounts from a favourite cup.
  4. Sponging your child down, particularly the head, with a tepid cloth will make him/her feel better as well as bringing down the temperature. Using tepid water is more effective than cold water.
  5. Repeat the dose of Paracetamol every 4 to 6 hours if necessary. No more than 4 doses in a 24 hour period.
  6. If your child does not improve after giving Paracetamol and sponging down, or appears particularly ill, call the doctor. Ill children will always be seen as soon as possible.You will not make your child worse by taking him/her to the doctors. Sometimes fresh air makes a feverish child feel better.
  7. A child with a fever is likely to be restless at night. Offer cool drinks and sponge the child down if he/she wakens.
  8. Very rarely a child under 5 years will have a convulsion with a high temperature. The child suddenly shakes all over and then becomes very still. If your child does have a convulsion it should subside in less than 5 minutes. Lie the child on his/her side and stay with them while it lasts. If there is another adult in the house, ask them to ring for a doctor. If not, call the doctor when the convulsion has stopped.