Vaccines are chemical substances administered to provide active acquired immunity to prevent diseases. They are biological preparations or suspensions of weakened, killed, or fragmented microbes. Vaccines are generally administered by injections, but some are given orally and nasally. The goal is to expose the body to these germs in a safe way, so that, our body learns to recognize them and fight them. Vaccination by many people has shown positive results like smallpox and rinderpest. The science of developing and researching vaccines is called vaccinology.
When a child is born, it is very fragile and doesn’t have a well-developed immune system. A child’s immune system is not fully developed until they are around 8 years or older. This makes them extremely vulnerable to every little disease out there. While they can boost up to a certain extent with a good diet, quality sleep, proper sun exposure, and active lifestyle, vaccines tend to act like a protective shield and amplify or boost their immunity.
While vaccines are not compulsory, they are heavily advised to protect young ones from diseases. A lot of vaccines are given to infants and children, and ensuring that the right doses are being provided at the right time requires a lot of “vaccine scheduling”. It includes the list of commonly recommended vaccines, the right time to get them, and so on.
The most commonly administered vaccines administered to infants and children are:
1. Hepatitis B: Protects from Hepatitis B disease and the first shot is given in the hospital at birth. It is usually the first vaccine a newborn baby receives. It has to be given within 24 hours of birth. The next dose comes at 2 months, and the next dose comes 6 months later.
2. Polio vaccines: these vaccines are well-known and widespread. While there might be no cure for polio, it can be effectively prevented with proper vaccine series taken from birth. Good vaccination has brought polio close to eradication. Vaccinations are given at 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, and 4 to 6 years. They are administered orally as well.
3. Chickenpox: this disease has become less common over time fortunately due to its vaccine, varicella which has a whopping 92% success rate. This is a disease that can be easily treatable if acquired but if there is a lot of mismanagement, it can cause major complications like pneumonia and encephalitis. It can be taken when the child is a year and older, and the next dose between 4-6 years.
4. MMR: It is a combination of vaccines to prevent Measles, mumps, and rubella. There has been a huge drop in measles rates, 73%, and has become very rare in many parts of the world. But it can still be found in developing and under-developed parts of the world. Mumps are not common, but there are surely some outbreaks and unvaccinated people are at severe risk. Rubella is becoming rare, thanks to vaccines, but it poses a severe threat to children and pregnant mothers. If this is not treated well, it can cause miscarriage and serious birth defects if a pregnant lady is infected. This vaccine is advised to be taken in 12-15 months and between 4-6 years.
5. The influenza vaccine: This has to be taken after 6 months from birth and should be taken before every season with rare exceptions.
The vaccines listed here are some of the many vaccines that are given to children at birth. A good immunity ensures protection from many diseases and helps them grow properly. Serious diseases can hinder a child’s development and growth if not treated properly.
By: Vinti Majethia
—----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bibliography:
Vaccination schedule. (2022, August 9). WebMD. Retrieved October 22, 2023, from https://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/vaccination-schedule-what-to-expect
Polio vaccination: What everyone should know. (2022, October 12). Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved October 22, 2023, from https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/polio/public/index.html
Influenza vaccination: A summary for clinicians. (2023, August 25). Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved October 22, 2023, from https://www.cdc.gov/flu/professionals/vaccination/vax-summary.html
Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule by Age. (2023, April 27). Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved October 22, 2023, from https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/hcp/imz/child-adolescent.html
Comentários