Over half of Irish parents do not know which diseases their children have been vaccinated against, a new survey has revealed.

Currently in Ireland, babies and children are eligible to receive a number of vaccinations as part of the national primary immunisation schedule. Immunisation is not compulsory but is recommended by the HSE, and a majority of children do get vaccinated.

Diseases they are vaccinated against include measles, mumps, rubella, polio, tuberculosis, whooping cough and pneumococcal disease.

However, a survey of over 400 people has found that just 44% of parents knew which diseases their children had been vaccinated against.

Some 31% of parents thought that their children were vaccinated against meningitis B, however this is not currently part of the primary schedule, while 10% incorrectly thought that their children were vaccinated against seasonal flu.

The majority of those surveyed - 60% - did not know that vaccines against tetanus and hepatitis B are provided to their children.

The survey also found that 87% of parents were aware that failing to vaccinate a child can put them at risk, however 35% said they knew little about how vaccines actually work.

Meanwhile, the survey also found that while GPs play a key role in a parent's decision on whether to have their child vaccinated, articles on health or parenting websites also influenced many parents. In fact, 47% of parents said websites influenced them more than family and friends.

The survey was carried out on behalf of GSK.

To help you keep track of your child's vaccinations, see our unique Child Immunisation Tracker here