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Childhood immunization is one of the most important public health interventions in history. It has saved millions of lives and prevented countless cases of serious illness and disability. Immunizations work by exposing the body to a weakened or inactive form of a virus or bacteria, which helps the body to develop immunity to the disease.
Childhood vaccines are recommended for a variety of serious diseases, including measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, polio, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, varicella (chickenpox), and influenza. This article focuses on all the aspects of immunization, its importance and the schedule that you must follow. At Manipal Hospital, we have highly experienced paediatricians in Kharadi, Pune who can address all your concerns related to your child’s vaccinations.
Importance of Immunization
Immunizations are important for several reasons:
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They protect children from serious diseases.
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They help to prevent the spread of disease to others.
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They are safe and effective.
The benefits of childhood immunization far outweigh the risks. The risks of serious side effects from different types of vaccines are very rare, and the benefits of protection from serious diseases are enormous.
Facts About Immunization
Here are some additional facts about childhood immunization:
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Vaccines are one of the most cost-effective public health interventions available.
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Immunizations have helped to eradicate smallpox and greatly reduce the incidence of many other diseases.
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Immunizations are safe and effective for children of all ages.
Immunization Schedule by Age
Vaccinations are age-defined due to several reasons:
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Immune System Development
The immune system is not fully developed at birth and continues to develop throughout childhood. Vaccine by age are given to ensure that the immune system is ready to respond to the vaccine.
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Risk of Exposure
Children are at different risks of exposure to different diseases at different ages. For example, infants are at high risk of exposure to pertussis (whooping cough), while older children are at high risk of exposure to measles. Vaccinations are scheduled to protect children from diseases at the ages when they are most at risk.
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Vaccine Interactions
Some vaccines can interact with each other, so they need to be given at different times. For example, the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine should not be given at the same time as the varicella (chickenpox) vaccine.
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Side Effects
Vaccines can cause side effects, although these are usually mild and go away on their own. By giving vaccinations at different times, doctors can monitor children for side effects from one vaccine before giving them another vaccine.
Vaccination schedules are a general guideline. Your child's doctor may adjust the schedule based on your child's individual health needs. Given below is a common vaccination schedule:
Age |
Vaccination |
|
Birth |
BCG, Hep B1, OPV |
|
6 weeks |
DTwP /DTaP1, Hib-1, IPV-1, Hep B2, PCV 1,Rota-1 |
|
10 weeks |
DTwP /DTaP2, Hib-2, IPV-2, Hep B3, PCV 2, Rota-2 |
|
14Weeks |
DTwP /DTaP3, Hib-3, IPV-3, Hep B4, PCV 3, Rota-3 |
|
6 Months |
Influenza-1 |
|
7 Months |
Influenza -2 |
|
6 – 9 Months |
Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine |
|
9 Months |
MMR 1 (Mumps, measles, Rubella) |
|
12 Months |
Hepatitis A- 1 |
|
12 – 15 Months |
PCV Booster |
|
15 Months |
MMR 2, Varicella |
|
16 – 18 Months |
DTwP /DTaP, Hib, IPV |
|
18 – 19 Months |
Hepatitis A- 2**, Varicella 2 |
|
4 – 6 years |
DTwP /DTaP, IPV, MMR 3 |
|
9 – 15years (Girls) |
HPV (2 doses) |
|
10 – 12 Years |
Tdap/ Td |
|
2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th Year |
Annual Influenza Vaccine |
Childhood vaccination is one of the most important things you can do to protect your child's health. By following the recommended immunization schedule, you can help protect your child from a variety of serious diseases, including measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, polio, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, varicella (chickenpox), and influenza. Book a consultation with our paediatricians at the best pediatric hospital in Pune as they will help you to understand the benefits and risks of vaccines and make the best decision for your child's health. Bookmark our official blog page to read blogs written by our experienced doctors on various topics related to health and lifestyle.
