Vaccines for children should be considered very important for parents knowledge
Vaccinations are one of the most important steps in ensuring a child’s healthy future. They help protect babies from serious, sometimes life-threatening diseases by strengthening their immune system. For parents, having the right knowledge about vaccines is essential to making informed decisions and keeping their little ones safe.
Vaccinations are a gift of modern medicine that help babies grow healthy and strong. As a parent, staying informed and committed to your child’s vaccination schedule is one of the most important responsibilities. Protecting your baby today means ensuring a healthier tomorrow.
Parents often worry about side effects, but vaccines are thoroughly tested for safety. Mild effects like slight fever or soreness at the injection site are normal and temporary. Serious side effects are extremely rare. The benefits of vaccination far outweigh the risks.
Myths vs. Facts
Myth: Vaccines cause autism.
Fact: Extensive research has proven no link between vaccines and autism.
Myth: Natural immunity is better.
Fact: Natural infections can cause severe complications, while vaccines provide safe immunity.
Why Vaccinations Are Important:
Disease Prevention: Vaccines protect against illnesses like polio, measles, whooping cough, and hepatitis that were once widespread.
Stronger Immunity: Vaccines train the body’s immune system to recognize and fight harmful germs.
Community Protection: When most children are vaccinated, it helps protect those who cannot receive vaccines due to medical conditions.
Common Vaccines for Babies
Most countries follow an immunization schedule that begins shortly after birth. Common vaccines include:
BCG: Protects against tuberculosis.
Polio Vaccine (OPV/IPV): Prevents polio, which can cause paralysis.
Hepatitis B: Protects the liver from serious infection.
DPT (Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus): Shields against three dangerous diseases.
Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR): Prevents highly contagious viral infections.
Pneumococcal & Rotavirus: Protects against pneumonia, meningitis, and severe diarrhea.
Tips for Parents
Follow the Schedule: Stick to the vaccination timeline recommended by your doctor or local health authorities.
Keep Records: Maintain a vaccination card to track completed doses.
Prepare Your Baby: Comfort your child before and after the shot to reduce anxiety.
Ask Questions: Don’t hesitate to discuss your concerns with a pediatrician.
Stay Updated: Be aware of booster doses and new vaccines recommended over time.
Infant Vaccine Schedule:
From birth to Two Months:
- OPV (Oral Polio Vaccine)
- BCG (Tuberculosis)
- HepB (Hepatitis B vaccine). Ideally, the first dose is given within 24 hours of birth, but kids who weren’t vaccinated before can get it at any age. Some babies with a low birth weight will get it at 1 month or when they go home from the hospital. The second dose of HepB should be given 1–2 months after the first dose.
Two months:
First dose of:
- DTap (diphtheria, tetanus, and acellular pertussis vaccine)
- HiB(Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccine)
- IPV(inactivated poliovirus vaccine)
- PCV(pneumococcal conjugate vaccine)
- RV(rotavirus vaccine)
Four months:
- Second dose of HepB, DTaP, Hib, IPV, PCV, and RV.
Six months:
Third dose of:
- DTaP
- Hib: This third dose may be needed, depending on the brand of vaccine used in previous doses.
- IPV: This third dose may be given at 6–18 months.
- PCV:This third dose may be given at 6–18 months.
- RV: This third dose may be needed, depending on the brand of vaccine used in previous doses.
- HepB: This third dose may be given at 6–18 months.
Nine months:
- MMR-I: Measles, Mumps, and Rubella
- German measles -vaccine: It’s sometimes given together with the varicella (chickenpox) vaccine and called MMRV.
- TCV: Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine
Twelve months:
- HepA (hepatitis A vaccine):Havrix 720(junior vaccine) given as 2 shots at least 6 months apart.
Fifteen months:
- MMR-II: Measles, Mumps, and Rubella
Eighteen months:
- Hib (booster shot, a dose to help “boost” protection). Depending on the brand used, this booster dose might be the fourth dose.
- DTaP:Fourth dose
- IPV:Third dose
- HepA (hepatitis A vaccine): Second dose
Two Years:
- Typhoid
- Influenza (Viral flu)
Five Years:
- Typhoid (booster)
- Influenza (Viral flu)
- MMR (booster)
- IPV