Yours I know how much you care about your baby's health . Like every mother and father, you want to protect him from diseases. That's why we are going to talk about this important topic today, the vaccination schedule for young children. By following this exactly, your child will be greatly protected from a number of dangerous diseases.
Why do these vaccines need to be given exactly on time?
Now you may be wondering, "Why do we need to give these vaccines at this exact age?" That's a very important question. Simply put, this immunization schedule has been developed based on extensive research and recommendations from medical experts. This schedule is based on two factors:
1. The time when the child's immune system responds best to the vaccine: That is, the vaccine is given at the best time when the body's antibodies are formed properly and the body is ready to fight the disease in question.
2. The age at which the child is most at risk of developing the disease: There are certain diseases that children are more likely to contract at certain ages. So, it is important to get tested before that risk period. One of the main objectives of this schedule is to ensure safety .
These vaccines are given when you take your child for their regular well-check visits. So, by not skipping those visits, you can ensure that the vaccines are given on time. However, it is very important for you to be aware of which vaccines are given and at what age. Let's talk about that in a little more depth now.
At what age are children vaccinated?
Most of your child's vaccines are given before they are two years old. In particular, several vaccines are given within the first year of life. This is because newborns and young children are very sensitive. Because their immune systems are not yet fully developed, they are easily susceptible to many diseases. Some diseases can cause serious conditions or even death. Therefore, it is extremely important to give your child the correct vaccination schedule, especially from birth to 12 months.
Most childhood vaccines are given at a specific age or at a set number of ages. However, there are two small exceptions to this. The influenza (flu) vaccine and Experts recommend that the COVID-19 vaccine be given to children starting at 6 months of age, at regular intervals, and continued throughout childhood and into adolescence.
The flu vaccine is usually given once a year. Your pediatrician will tell you how often you should get the COVID-19 vaccine, based on your child's age and the latest scientific findings.
Now let's look at what vaccines are given to children according to age. This schedule is recommended for most children. However, if your child has a health condition or other risk factors, additional vaccines or doses may be needed. Your pediatrician will advise you about this.
Newborn vaccinations
The first feeding your baby will give within 24 hours of birth. The vaccine is:
- Hepatitis B (HepB) vaccine (first dose): This protects your baby from a dangerous viral infection that damages the liver. This is the first in a series of three doses.
Next, there is another immunization given within a week of the baby being born :
- RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) Antibody: This is only given if the baby was born during an RSV outbreak (usually from October to March in our country) and you did not receive the RSV vaccine during pregnancy. RSV is a virus that affects the lungs of young children and can sometimes be severe. This is not a vaccine, strictly speaking, because a vaccine teaches the body to make antibodies. What happens in this is that antibodies that are specifically designed to fight the disease are given to the body. That's why doctors call this immunization . But when we talk about it, we just call it a vaccine.
Vaccines given at 2 months
When the baby turns two months old, they will be given these vaccines at the clinic:
- Hepatitis B (HepB) - Second dose.
- Rotavirus - First dose : This is a liquid given by mouth. Rotavirus can cause severe diarrhea and dehydration in children.
- DTaP - First dose: This protects against three dangerous diseases: Diphtheria, Tetanus, and acellular Pertussis.
- Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type B) - First dose: This bacteria can cause serious infections such as meningitis.
- PCV (Pneumococcal conjugate) - First dose: Pneumococcal bacteria also cause diseases like pneumonia and meningitis. This vaccine provides protection against them.
- IPV (Inactivated poliovirus) - First dose: Polio is a serious disease that can cause paralysis. This vaccine prevents it.
Vaccinations given at 4 months
Next, when the baby is four months old, they are given these vaccines:
- Rotavirus - Second dose.
- DTaP - Second dose.
- Hib - Second dose.
- PCV - Second dose.
- IPV - second dose.
Vaccines given at 6 months
When the baby is six months old, he/she receives these vaccines:
- Hepatitis B (HepB) - Third dose.
- Rotavirus - Third dose: (This is only given if the three-dose vaccine series is given. Some rotavirus vaccines are completed in two doses).
- DTaP - Third dose.
- Hib - Third dose: (This is given if the four-dose vaccination series is given).
- PCV - Third dose.
- IPV - Third dose.
- Flu vaccine: Given every year after 6 months.
- Covid-19 (COVID-19) vaccine: As recommended by a doctor.
Vaccines given at 12 months (yearly)
These vaccines are important when the baby turns one year old:
- Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) - First dose: All three of these diseases can cause dangerous complications in children.
- Hepatitis A (HepA) - First dose: This is also a virus that affects the liver.
- PCV - Fourth dose.
Vaccinations given at 15 months
- Chickenpox (Varicella - VAR) - First dose: For protection against chickenpox.
- DTaP - Fourth dose.
- Hib - Final dose: (This may be the third or fourth dose depending on the vaccination series).
Vaccinations given at 18 months
- Hepatitis A (HepA) - Second dose.
Vaccines given at 4 years of age
These vaccines are given when the child turns four years old. These can be given between the ages of 4 and 6.
- DTaP - Fifth dose.
- IPV - Fourth dose.
- MMR - Second dose.
- VAR (chickenpox) - second dose.
Your pediatrician will tell you the best time to give these.
Vaccinations for children between 11-12 years of age
When the child is a little older, that is, around 11-12 years old, these vaccines are important:
- Tdap (Tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis) - First dose: This is like an adult dose of DTaP. It must be given every 10 years for life.
- HPV (Human Papillomavirus) - Two doses: First dose given 5 months later, second dose given 5 months later. This virus can cause cancers such as cervical cancer. This series of vaccines can start as early as age 9.
- Meningococcal (MenACWY) - First dose: Meningococcal bacteria can cause serious conditions such as meningitis and blood poisoning.
Vaccinations given at age 16
- Meningococcal (MenACWY) - Second dose (booster dose).
How many vaccines are given to young children?
If you look at the complete childhood vaccination schedule, there are about 15 types of vaccines. Some vaccines protect against more than one disease. Some require multiple doses.
Now, when you see this list, you might be thinking, "Wow, this little one needs so many vaccines?" Yes, it may seem like a lot, but don't worry. Most of these vaccines are given in the first few years of life, when little ones are at the greatest risk of disease.
Just think, in the past, because there were no vaccines like this, how many children suffered from these diseases, and some died. But now, thanks to the advancement of medical science, your child can be protected from such dangerous situations. Every vaccine given to a child is like a shield that protects him.
Also, doctors can now use combination vaccines . That is, vaccines that protect against several diseases in a single injection. For example, the Vaxelis® vaccine can protect against all four vaccines: DTaP, HepB, Hib, and IPV. That would reduce the number of shots, wouldn't it?
What if it's too late to give an emergency vaccine?
Life is a time when things don't go exactly as planned. You might miss your baby's clinic, or you might be late for a vaccination for some other reason. If that happens, don't worry. It's normal.
The most important thing is to see your family doctor or pediatrician as soon as possible. They will tell you the best way to administer the missed vaccines. They will make sure that your child gets the vaccines they need, within the recommended age range, as soon as possible.
Warning: Never follow any other vaccination schedule you find on the internet or ask a friend. This standard vaccination schedule, used by doctors in Sri Lanka and around the world, is based on rigorous scientific research and evidence. It has saved the lives of millions of children.
Your child will soon start doing things on their own. But for now, they depend on you for everything. You coordinate everything from mealtimes to bedtimes to doctor appointments. Managing all of this is a big responsibility. But by going to regular well-checks and following this childhood vaccination schedule, your child will have the best start to a healthy life. You don't have to do it all alone. Your doctor can help you keep this schedule on track.
So, what are the things we need to remember from all of this?
We've talked a lot about the childhood vaccination schedule. In summary:
- Follow the schedule: The first few years of your child's life are very precious. They are very susceptible to diseases. Therefore, following the immunization schedule recommended by doctors exactly will protect your child from a number of dangerous diseases (e.g. measles, polio, whooping cough, hepatitis).
- Don't miss a single vaccination: Every vaccination is important. If you miss one, the protection against that disease may be reduced.
- Follow your doctor's advice: Your family doctor or pediatrician is the best person to advise you on this. They can help you set up a vaccination schedule that is right for your child and help you get everything right.
- Don't be afraid: Don't be unnecessarily afraid of vaccines. Vaccines are scientifically proven to protect children from serious diseases.
So, don't be afraid and give these vaccines to your little one with confidence. It's the most precious gift you can give him!
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