Let's learn exactly about these two important vaccines given to babies (Haemophilus influenzae type b & Hepatitis B Vaccine)

Are you a mom or dad who is planning your little one's vaccination schedule? Or have you just gotten home from giving your baby a shot? You may be a little curious, and maybe even nervous, about the vaccines your baby is getting. That's very normal. As a mom or dad, it's important to be fully informed about everything you give your child. Today we're talking about a very important combination vaccine that protects children in our country from two diseases.

What actually happens with this vaccine?

Simply put, this is a combination of two vaccines. This means that the child is protected against two diseases with a single shot. This vaccine contains a vaccine against Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) and a vaccine against Hepatitis B virus . You may have heard of this vaccine under the brand name (Comvax).

Now let's see what these two diseases are.

• Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib): When you hear this name, some people think that this is a virus that causes the common cold. But that is wrong. This is a dangerous bacteria. This bacteria can cause serious diseases in young children such as meningitis , pneumonia, and severe throat infections. These are serious conditions that can even affect the child's life.

• Hepatitis B: This is a virus that damages the liver. Once infected, this virus can remain in the body for a long time without any symptoms. Later, it can lead to serious conditions such as cirrhosis of the liver or even liver cancer.

So what this vaccine does is teach your child's body to fight these two dangerous diseases. That is, the child's immune system starts making antibodies against these pathogens. Then, if the germs actually enter the body, the child's body will be able to fight them off and protect itself from getting sick.

Important things to tell your doctor before getting vaccinated

Before vaccinating your child, it is essential to give the doctor a complete description of your child's health condition. Be sure to mention these things in particular.

• If the child is already infected with hepatitis B.
• If you have a weakened immune system or a medical condition.
• If you have a bleeding disorder .
• If the child is taking any medication that prevents blood clotting (e.g. warfarin, enoxaparin).
• If you have a low white blood cell, red blood cell, or platelet count .
• If you are currently suffering from an infection with a fever . (At this time, the doctor may postpone the vaccination for a few days).
• Something beforeIf you have had a severe allergic reaction to a vaccine, yeast, another medicine, food, or preservative.
• If you are a breastfeeding mother, it is good to be informed about that as well.

Remember, give the doctor a complete description of all medications your child is taking, not just those prescribed by a doctor, but also vitamins and traditional medicines, before giving them any vaccinations.

How is the vaccine given and what to do if you miss it?

This vaccine is given as an injection into a muscle by a trained health professional. It is usually given to babies in the thigh muscle. You will be given a leaflet with details about the vaccine before it is given to you. Always read it carefully.

This vaccine is given in a series of doses. Therefore, it is essential to get booster doses on the scheduled dates. Otherwise, the protection your child will receive will not be complete. If for some reason you are unable to get the vaccine on the scheduled date, call your doctor immediately and schedule a later appointment.

Remember that these serious side effects are very rare . But it is important to be aware of them. If you see something like this, immediately take your child to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) . If necessary, you can also call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.