Are you a little scared and curious about vaccinating your little one? Especially when you hear that a single vaccine protects against several diseases, you probably want to know exactly what it is. Today we are talking about the 'six-in-one' vaccine that protects your child against 6 very important, serious diseases. This is sometimes referred to by your doctor by a brand name like `(Vaxelis)`.
What diseases does this vaccine protect against?
Simply put, this one vaccine protects against six dangerous diseases that a child can develop. Let's take a look at what they are.
- Diphtheria: This is a bacterial infection that can cause serious conditions such as breathing difficulties, heart attacks, and neurological problems.
- Tetanus: Also known as 'lockjaw', this germ can enter the body when a person is injured by a sharp object, usually a rusty object. It causes painful tightening of the muscles of the entire body, including the jaw and jawbone.
- Pertussis (Whooping Cough): This is very dangerous for children. It is a disease that causes a continuous, severe cough that makes it difficult to breathe. It is called ``Whooping Cough'' because it makes a 'whoop' sound when you inhale.
- Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib): Although the name sounds a bit complicated, it causes serious infections such as meningitis and pneumonia. Thanks to this vaccine, this disease is now much less common.
- Hepatitis B: This is a viral infection that damages the liver. It can be a lifelong chronic disease and can lead to liver cancer.
- Polio: This is also a severe virus that affects the nervous system and can cause permanent paralysis. Thanks to vaccination, this disease has now been eradicated from our country.
Imagine how great it would be to protect your child from so many serious diseases with just one vaccine.
Things to tell your doctor before getting vaccinated
Before giving this vaccine to your child, be sure to discuss these points with your doctor. This is very important for your child's safety.
- Weaknesses in the immune system: If your child has any weakness in their immune system (e.g. HIV infection, cancer), tell them about it.
- Feverish infections: If the child has a fever or other infectious condition on the day of vaccination.
- Nervous system diseases: If the child has previously had a condition like seizures or has any disease related to the nervous system.
- Anticoagulant medication: If the child is taking any medication to thin the blood or prevent blood clotting.
- Allergies: This is very important.
- If you have had a severe allergic reaction to another vaccine previously given.
- If you are allergic to any of the ingredients in this vaccine, such as neomycin, polymyxin B, polysorbate 80, or yeast .
- If you have any allergies to any other medicine, food, or dye, tell your doctor about that as well.
By giving this information to the doctor, he can accurately determine whether it is appropriate to give this vaccine to your child.
How to give this vaccine to the child?
This vaccine is given by a trained medical professional as an injection into a muscle. It is usually given into the thigh muscle of young children.
Before you are given the vaccine, you will be given a leaflet (Vaccine Information Statement) that contains information about this. Read and understand what it says. If you have any questions, be sure to ask them right away.
It is very important to give your child their scheduled doses and boosters on time. Never skip them. If you are unable to attend on time, call your doctor immediately and reschedule.
What if something goes wrong?
Since this vaccine is administered by a medical professional, the chance of a dose error is very low. However, if you think there has been a mistake in any way, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the National Hospital , or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
What are the expected side effects?
As with any vaccine, there are some minor side effects that can occur after this one is given. Most of these are not serious. But there are some things we should be aware of.
| Possible conditions after vaccination | |
|---|---|
| Serious symptoms that require immediate medical attention | |
| Severe allergies | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue. |
| Difficulty breathing | Shortness of breath or rapid breathing. |
| High fever | Fever higher than 39.4 degrees Celsius (103 Fahrenheit). |
| Crying non-stop | Continuous crying for more than 3 hours without being able to be comforted in any way. |
| Seizures | Having a fit-like condition. |
| Unusual weakness | The child is unusually sleepy or lethargic. |
| Symptoms that are usually nothing to worry about, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Pain at the injection site | Redness, swelling, bruising, or pain at the injection site. |
| Appetite | Decreased desire to eat or drink milk. |
| Slight fever | Slight increase in body temperature. |
| Irritability/sleepiness | The child is crying, fussing, or being sleepy more than usual. |
| Vomiting | Slight vomiting. |
Remember, like all vaccines, this vaccine may not provide 100% protection for everyone. However, the protection it provides will go a long way in protecting your child from serious diseases.
Take-Home Message
- This 'six-in-one' vaccine is a very important vaccine that protects children from 6 serious diseases such as measles, mumps, and whooping cough.
- Before administering the vaccine, be sure to tell your doctor about all of your child's medical conditions, allergies, and other medications they are taking.
- It is normal to experience minor side effects after getting vaccinated, such as soreness at the injection site and a slight fever. Don't worry about it.
- However, if you develop a high fever, persistent crying, difficulty breathing, or severe allergic symptoms, seek medical advice immediately.
- For a child to receive full protection, it is very important to administer all vaccine doses (including booster doses) according to the prescribed schedule.


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