One of the most important decisions that parents have to make is whether or not to have their children immunised. For some parents this can be a difficult decision. This website has been designed to provide the information that will help parents make the right decision for their children. It may also prove useful to professionals.

The information on this website is based on the best scientific studies available. The only vested interest of the people who have produced it is to promote the health and well-being of children. It is independent of vaccine companies, the Department of Health and pressure groups.. We have tried to give the source of all the studies we have referred to, so that the information can be followed up and referred to in more detail. We have provided a guide on how to assess information which may be helpful.

If you have a question about a specific vaccine click on the individual vaccines, otherwise we suggest you start at 'Immunisation schedule' and work your way through.

The authors of this site are Dr David Elliman and Dr Helen Bedford.

Please feel free to make any comments about this website by clicking the ‘contact us’ button as we want to make it as helpful as possible.

Since 1989 David Elliman has been a consultant community paediatrician. From 2003 he has been based at Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children and in Islington Primary Care Trust. He is also one of the local immunisation coordinators.

Helen Bedford is a Lecturer in Children’s Health at the Institute of Child Health in London. She has conducted research in the field of immunisation. Her background is in nursing and health visiting.

Both have written widely about immunisation and speak to audiences of health professionals and parents. David runs an immunisation advisory clinic and Helen frequently talks with parents who are seeking advice about immunisation.

Both David and Helen have been involved in research funded by vaccine manufacturers and in the past, have lectured at meetings sponsored by them. David has provided a report on the organisation of immunisation programmes for one manufacturer. In the past five years neither of them have received any money personally. Prior to this they did receive small reimbursements for giving lectures and attending conferences.

See declarations of interest.

This site was last modified on 16 November 2007