The HSE provide the following services for Children and Families
Child Health
Area Medical Teams work with Public Health Nurses to check on child development from birth onwards, through a series of standard regular checks. They also visit schools in the area to give booster vaccinations like the MMR, Meningitis C, Rubella etc. Area Medical Officers play an important role in managing outbreaks of illness like Meningitis, measles or mumps in the area. You can contact the Area Medical Officers at Tel: (091) 546 355.
Immunisation
Immunisation is a simple, safe and effective way of protecting your child against certain diseases. Children and young people in Ireland are entitled to certain vaccinations and immunisation services free of charge. These vaccines are provided in a range of settings: by your GP, in Hospitals, at Health Centres, at home or at school.
Is immunisation free?
Vaccinations under the Childhood Immunisation Programme in Ireland are provided free of charge to all children. The childhood immunisation programme (outlined opposite) protects children from the following: Tuberculosis, Diphtheria, Tetanus, Whooping cough (Pertussis), HiB (Haemophilus influenza B), Polio, Meningitis C, Measles, Mumps and Rubella.
Are vaccines safe?
The vaccines used in Ireland are safe. All medicines can cause side effects, but with vaccines these are usually mild, like a sore arm or leg or a slight fever. Serious side effects to vaccines are extremely rare. Research from around the world shows that immunisation is the safest way to protect your child's health. Your doctor or nurse can discuss the risks with you before giving your child their vaccines. All the recommended vaccines used to protect children in Ireland are licensed by the Irish Medicines Board or the European Medicines Evaluation Agency. They are allowed to be used only after they have been shown to be both effective and safe.
Where can I get my child immunised?
The HSE recommends that all parents bring their children for immunisation, which is free from your GP. If you have any more questions or need more information, you can visit the HSE website - www.immunisation.ie, or speak to your GP or your Public Health Nurse in your Local Health Centre.
For more information on immunisation talk to your GP, Public Health Nurse, or visit - www.immunisation.ie
Children and Families' Services
Social Work and Child Protection Services can be contacted through the Local Health Office.
Child Care Unit
Merlin Park, Galway Tel: 091 775057 Fax 091 775047
