Important information about swine flu

Read the latest official advice to help protect yourself, your family and others.

Last updated 9:16 AM Friday 20 November 2009

Can I take my baby swimming after their jabs?

Babies can be taken swimming at any age. It doesn't matter if they haven't yet completed their course of immunisations.

The management of some leisure facilities suggest that babies shouldn't go swimming until they have had all of their jabs. This advice dates back to the time when polio was common, and people were concerned it would spread in busy places like public swimming pools.

Sometimes babies experience side effects after the MMR vaccine. These are generally quite mild, and should not prevent you taking your baby swimming. Babies who are feverish, or who get a mild form of mumps in the weeks after the vaccine, may not feel up to swimming for a few days.

Further information:

Last reviewed: 15/01/2009

Next review due: 14/03/2010