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Even though you may not like injections inserted into your baby every few months, it is important that you make sure that you don't miss out on them. The pain of an injection will only last a few seconds but its benefits will make your baby immune from diseases for a long time. In this post, we'll tell you 10 vaccines that are recommended for your child.
1. BCG Vaccine
BCG vaccine or Bacillus Calmette-Guerin is a vaccine that most of us must have been administered during our childhood. It is administered using an intradermal injection in order to prevent the deadly tuberculosis. Read more about tuberculosis and how it can be deadly.
Ideally, it should be given within 12 months of the child being born.
2. OPV or Polio Vaccine
India has been successful in its battle against polio with WHO calling it a polio-free country. In India, it is given free of cost to all children under the Pulse Polio programme.
This vaccine is administered orally several times over a period of 5 years.
3. DPT Vaccine
DPT Vaccine is given to prevent not just one, but three diseases namely diphtheria, petrussis and tetanus. All three diseases have the potential to be fatal which makes this vaccine mandatory for every child.
Children should be given five doses of this vaccine. The first dose when the child is 2 months old. The second dose when the child is 4 months of age. The third dose when the child is 6 months of age. The fourth dose when the child is between 15 to 18 months of age. The fifth dose when the child is between 4 to 6 years of age.
4. Measles Vaccine
The measles vaccine is administered subcutaneously, i.e. just below the skin. It is mandatory to vaccinate you child with this vaccine as measles is a contagious viral infection that can progress to cause diarrhoea, pneumonia and in some cases even prove fatal.
It is given when the child is 9 months old.
5. Hepatitis B Vaccine
Hepatitis is a viral infection that affects the liver and can lead to jaundice. Though it is not mandatory for children to be given this vaccine, it is highly recommended since it provides immunity against jaundice. Also, the Hepatitis B virus is highly infectious as it can survive outside the body for as many as 7 days.
It is given as a series of three shots The first dose is given after the child is born and hasn't yet left the hospital, the second dose is given when the child is between 1 and 2 months old and the third dose is given when the child is 6 months old.
6. Hib vaccine
This vaccine provides immunity against meningitis which is a disease where a child's brain and spinal cord gets infected.
The vaccine is given in four doses first dose is given when the child is 2 months old, the second dose is given when the child is 4 months old, and the third dose is given when the child is 6 months old and the fourth and final dose is given when the child is 12 months old.
7. Varicella or chickenpox vaccine
A lot of parents do not opt for this vaccine as once a child has suffered from chicken pox , he/she cannot get it again.
It is administered in two doses the first dose is given when the child is between 12 to 15 months of age and the second dose is given when the child is between 4 to 6 years old.
8. MMR Vaccine
It is a vaccination that can protect your child from not one, but three diseases measles, mumps and rubella. It contains live but very weak viruses of all three diseases which cause a minor infection that the body is able to fight against.
It is administered in two doses the first dose is given when the child is between 12 to 15 months of age and the second dose is given when the child is between 4 to 6 years of age. Read more about optional vaccinations recommended for your child.
9. Influenza vaccine
Influenza or flu is an extremely common disease that affects the respiratory system. A new vaccine is developed each year containing strains from flu viruses that scientists think are the most common.
In children, it should be administered before the flu season. Children between 6 months to 5 years of age should take it.
10. Rotavirus vaccine
This vaccine is administered to provide immunity against rotavirus infection. The virus can cause severe gastroenteritis along with diarrhoea and vomiting that can seriously impact the health of your baby.
Different brands require different doses of the vaccine. The first dose is given when the child is 4 months old, and the second dose is given when the child is 6 months old.
Things to keep in mind when taking your child for his/her vaccination
Always discuss the vaccine with the doctor and give him/her all the information about previous vaccines taken, your child's current health, etc. Also, your child may throw tantrums so make sure that you bring a toy along for emotional support. Telling the child that all kids his age need to take it and that it will protect him from diseases is also important. Your child may experience some soreness and slight fever after the vaccination so make sure you are there to provide moral and emotional support.
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