Contradictions to immunisation

There are very few genuine reasons why an immunisation should not be given. Let your doctor or health visitor know if your child:

• Is acutely unwell or has a very high fever , more than 38 degrees C. (A cold without the child being acutely ill is not a contradiction).
• Has had a true anaphylactic reaction to a previous dose or is allergic to eggs (Because the measles part of the MMR vaccine is grown in chick cells, there was a worry that it might cause a reaction in children who are allergic to eggs. In fact, evidence shows that it is safe to give MMR vaccine even to children who have a very severe reaction to eggs. If you are worried about how your child will react to the vaccine, talk to your doctor, who may consider immunising her in a hospital so
  she can be watched carefully.)
• Is taking any medicine, particularly steroids
• Is receiving chemotherapy or radiotherapy.