As a parent, you may be familiar with the ‘childhood vaccination schedule’ – a detailed plan for when children should get certain immunizations that help protect them from preventable diseases, but as the list of recommended vaccines has grown over the years, so also the list of questions parents do have about vaccinations and its schedules.
This post seeks to answer some of the pertinent questions you might have about childhood vaccinations as a parent.
So, let’s dive right in…
1) What are Vaccines?
Vaccines can be defined as products that protect us against serious, often deadly diseases, by helping our body’s natural defense (the immune system) to fight them off.
2) Are Vaccines Safe?
YES. Vaccines are safe.
All vaccines go through rigorous safety and efficacy testing procedures, including clinical trials, before they are allowed to be used and once in use, their safety is continuously monitored by the appropriate bodies.
3) Why is Vaccination Important?
Vaccination helps save lives.
These vaccines protect your children against infectious diseases that once killed or harmed many people and in general protect our communities and future generations.
4) How is Immunization Done?
Inactivated (killed) or weakened (live) forms of viruses or bacteria are used.
Pieces of proteins from a virus may be used to teach your child’s immune system to recognize the virus.
Vaccines are usually given as shots or nasal sprays. The vaccines will cause your child’s body to produce antibodies. These antibodies are part of your child’s immune system.
When your child is exposed to the disease again, these antibodies are produced to prevent the disease.
5) What Are the Five Most Important Vaccines for Children?
Hepatitis B is the first vaccine most babies receive and it is given within 24 hours of birth.
The other four important vaccines given are;
- Tetanus, whooping cough (pertussis) and diphtheria (DTaP)
- Haemophilus influenzae type b (HIb)
- Polio (IPV)
- Pneumococcal disease (PCV) – PCV13, PCV15
- Rotavirus (RV)
In general, these other vaccines are recommended to be given to children in addition to the following above;
- Hepatitis A (HepA)
- Influenza (Flu+)
- Coronavirus (Covid-19)
- Chickenpox (Varicella)
- Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR)
- Tuberculosis (BCG)
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
- Meningococcal vaccine
Your child’s doctor may recommend additional vaccines if they are at a high risk of getting certain infections or diseases.
A revised vaccination schedule may be provided if your child has missed any vaccine doses during their recommended time frame.
Speak with your child’s pediatrician today!
And let’s protect our children from getting preventable diseases!!
Dr. Favvy
Let’s hear from you…
What other vaccines not listed above do you know, are recommended to be given to children?👇
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Disclaimer
The
information on this blog is just for educational purposes only.
It
should not be used as a replacement for the medical care and advise of your
child’s pediatrician.
Always
consult your pharmacist before giving your child any drug.
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