Immunization (vaccination) is a way of creating immunity to certain diseases by using small amounts of a killed or weakened microorganism that causes the particular disease. At birth, infants have protection against certain diseases because antibodies have passed through the placenta from the mother to the unborn child. After birth, breastfed babies get the continued benefits of additional antibodies in breast milk. But in both cases, the protection is temporary.
These are the following vaccinations that are recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Many of these vaccines are available as combinations to reduce the number of shots a child receives. Your doctor will determine the best vaccinations and schedule for your child.
1. Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) affects the liver. Those who are infected can become lifelong carriers of the virus and may develop long-term problems such as cirrhosis (liver disease) or cancer of the liver. The hepatitis B vaccine usually creates long-term immunity. Infants who receive the HBV series should be protected from hepatitis B infection not only throughout their childhood but also into the adult years. Eliminating the risk of infection also decreases risk for cirrhosis of the liver, chronic liver disease, and liver cancer. Young adults and adolescents should also receive the vaccine if they did not as infants.
2. Pneumococcal Vaccine (PCV)
The pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) protects against pneumococcal infections. The bacterium is a leading cause of serious infections, including pneumonia, blood infections, and bacterial meningitis. The vaccine not only prevents the infection in children who receive it, it also helps stop its spread. The most serious infections affect children younger than 2 years old, and the vaccine will protect them when they’re at greatest risk.
3. DTaP
The DTaP vaccine protects against Diphtheria (a serious infection of the throat that can block the airway and cause severe breathing difficulty ), Tetanus (lockjaw, a nerve disease, which can occur at any age, caused by toxin-producing bacteria contaminating a wound) and Pertussis (a respiratory illness with cold symptoms that progress to severe coughing).
Use of the DTaP vaccine has virtually eliminated diphtheria and tetanus in childhood and has markedly reduced the number of pertussis cases.
4. Hib
Haemophilus influenzae type b bacteria were the leading cause of meningitis in children until the Hib vaccine became available. Long-term protection from Haemophilus influenzae type b occurs in more than 90% of infants receiving three doses of the vaccine. Those immunized have protection against Hib meningitis, pneumonia, pericarditis (an infection of the membrane covering the heart), and infections of the blood, bones, and joints caused by the bacteria.
5. IPV
Polio is a viral infection that can result in permanent paralysis. Protection against polio occurs in more than 95% of children immunized.
6. Influenza
Influenza, commonly known as “the flu,” is a highly contagious viral infection of the respiratory tract. The flu vaccine reduces the average person’s chances of catching the flu by up to 80% during the season. Getting the shot before the flu season is in full force gives the body a chance to build up immunity to or protection from the virus.
7. MMR (measles, mumps, rubella)
The MMR vaccine protects against measles, mumps, and rubella. Measles, mumps, and rubella are infections that can lead to significant illness. More than 95% of children receiving MMR will be protected from the three diseases throughout their lives.
8. Varicella (chickenpox)
The varicella vaccine protects against chickenpox (varicella), a common and very contagious childhood viral illness. The varicella vaccine prevents severe illness in 95% of children who are immunized. It’s up to 85% effective in preventing mild illness. Vaccinated kids who do get chickenpox generally have a mild case.
9. MCV4
The meningitis vaccine protects against meningococcal disease, a serious bacterial infection that can lead to bacterial meningitis. Bacterial meningitis, an inflammation of the membrane that protects the brain and spinal cord, is a rare but highly contagious disease that can spread rapidly among kids who are in close quarters. It can be life-threatening if not promptly treated.
10. Hepatitis A
The hepatitis A virus (HAV) causes fever, nausea, vomiting, and jaundice, and can lead to community-wide epidemics. Childcare centers are a common site of outbreaks. Vaccination against HAV can help stop epidemics from developing in the community, in addition to protecting the individual child. Some infected children do not have any symptoms, and can spread the virus to others. The more young children who are vaccinated against HAV, the more limited the spread of disease will be in a community.
11. Rotavirus
Rotavirus is a common virus that causes diarrhea, especially in infants and young children. Childcare centers are a common site of outbreaks. Rotavirus can cause dehydration secondary to large amounts of diarrhea, and can result in children requiring hospitalization. Vaccination against rotavirus can help stop spread in the community, in addition to protecting the individual child.
12. HPV
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) that causes genital warts and changes in the cervix that can result in cervical cancer. Because HPV can cause serious problems such as genital warts and cervical cancer, a vaccine is an important step in preventing infection and protecting against the spread of HPV. It works best when given before a girl becomes sexually active.
Eventhough your child have got whole complete kinds of vaccination, it doesn’t mean that they will never get sick. But, by choosing to immunize your child you will be simply and effectively protecting him against many harmful disease that can cause serious complications and sometimes death.