HEALTH bosses have unveiled a new anti-hepatitis B injection added to the other routine vaccinations babies are given which includes protection against cancer-causing infections.

What vaccinations do babies already get?

Babies are already vaccinated against diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, Hib and polio.

When are babies vaccinated?

Babies are currently given vaccinations when they are eight, 12 and 16 weeks old and the new injection will be given at the same time as the others.

Your baby needs three doses to make sure they develop strong immunity against the six diseases the vaccine protects against.

Every time another dose of the vaccine is given, your baby's immune response increases.

What's this new vaccination?

Previously, the hepatitis B vaccine was available on the NHS as a separate jab and was only administered to infants considered at risk, such as those born to infected mothers.

While hepatitis B rates in the UK are generally very low, in some inner city areas up to 1% of antenatal women are infected.

The infection has no symptoms so many of these women will be unaware they are ill, while their babies are considered at high risk.

Is the six-in-one vaccination safe?

The 6-in-1 vaccine is very safe. It's killed (inactivated), which means it doesn't contain any live organisms, so there's no risk of your baby getting the diseases it protects against.

The vaccine also has few side effects, although it's common for babies to be a little irritable afterwards. They may also have short-lived redness, swelling and a small bump at the injection site.

My baby's not eligible - can I get the vaccination done privately?

Hospitals, GP surgeries and sexual health or GUM clinics usually provide the hepatitis B vaccination free of charge for anyone at risk of infection.

GPs are not obliged to provide the hepatitis B vaccine on the NHS if you're not thought to be at risk.

GPs may charge for the hepatitis B vaccine if you want it as a travel vaccine, or they may refer you to a travel clinic so you can get vaccinated privately. The current cost of the vaccine is around £50 a dose.

Background

Mary Ramsay, head of immunisation at Public Health England, said: "The Hexavalent vaccine has been extensively tested and shown to be safe and is widely used internationally with millions of doses being given around the world."

The six-in-one vaccine does not have any live organisms, meaning there is no risk of infants contracting any of the diseases.

The jab protects against viral infections that cause cirrhosis and liver cancer.