Berlin  - Babies' immune systems are strong enough to endure early vaccinations without fear of abnormally strong immune reactions, reports the European Congress of Immunology.

Indeed, the immune system works so well from birth on that infants are usually protected from even aggressive germs after immunisation.

The key is to make sure that the formula and dose are geared toward an adequate antibody reaction. Parents' fears that the immunisation can overwhelm a child's immune system are ungrounded, say the experts. The risk that a child can fall sick or die from a dangerous pathogen is significantly larger.

Children are protected by antibodies transferred from their mother's blood for their first three months. Between that point and the 24th month, a child's immune system is developing, making the child susceptible to infection.

Thus, says the group, it's important to immunise children in this age bracket against more dangerous diseases, like meningitis and croup. (dpa)