In this episode, host Fergal Fox discusses vaccinations with Dr Lucy Jessop, Director of the National Immunisation Office, and parent representative Lorraine Hughes. Dr Jessop provides a clear explanation of how vaccines work, teaching the immune system to recognise and combat diseases before they can take hold. She stresses the importance of following the recommended vaccination schedule as this proactive approach to health is crucial in safeguarding our children during their most vulnerable stages. We discuss the vaccination schedule for children, including the introduction of the HPV vaccine for boys and its role in cancer prevention, as Lorraine shares her son's vaccination experience. The episode also addresses vaccines recommended during pregnancy, the importance of timely vaccinations to prevent disease resurgence and the need for accurate information from reliable sources. It highlights the role of healthcare professionals in building parental trust and ensuring children receive vaccinations at the right time.

For further information visit immunisation.ie or if you’d like to read or download the current immunisation schedule visit https://www.hse.ie/eng/health/immunisation/pubinfo/currentschedule.html.

To get in touch with the podcast email Healthandwellbeing.communication@hse.ie

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