Are you a little scared and curious about giving your little one a vaccine? Especially when it comes to giving multiple vaccines at once, there are a lot of questions that come to mind. But this is actually very convenient for the baby. How much better is it to get protection from several diseases with one vaccine than with multiple injections like before? Today we are talking about a very important vaccine that is given to children in our country. This one vaccine protects your baby from 6 serious diseases.
What is this 6-in-1 vaccine (DTaP-HepB-IPV)?
Simply put, this is a combination of several vaccines. This one vaccine protects your baby from six (6) major diseases. That's why we call it the "6-in-1" vaccine. Here are the diseases covered by this vaccine.
- Diphtheria: This is a serious infection of the throat and sometimes the nose. It can lead to serious conditions such as breathing difficulties, heart disease, and nerve damage.
- Tetanus: Also known as 'Lockjaw', this disease is caused by bacteria that enter the body through a wound, causing the jaw to tighten and the muscles to contract painfully.
- Pertussis: Also known as 'Whooping Cough', this is a very severe, contagious cough. It is especially dangerous for young children and can cause breathing difficulties.
- Hepatitis B: This is a viral infection that affects the liver. If it persists for a long time, it can cause severe liver damage, cirrhosis, and even liver cancer.
- Polio: Polio is a dangerous virus that can affect the nervous system and cause conditions such as paralysis.
So, to protect against all six of these dangerous diseases, a single vaccine is given. This is medically known as the DTaP-HepB-IPV vaccine.
Things to tell your doctor before getting vaccinated
It's important to discuss certain things with your doctor before giving your baby this vaccine. This information will help the doctor decide whether to give the vaccine at that time or to delay it for a while.
- Does the baby have a fever? If the baby has a high fever, the vaccine is usually given after the fever has subsided. A slight fever is not a problem, but tell the doctor about it.
- Has the baby had a seizure before? If the baby has had a seizure-like condition before, or if he has any neurological disease related to the brain or nervous system, it is important to mention it.
- Has your baby had an allergy to a previous vaccine? Tell your doctor if your baby has had a severe allergic reaction (for example, difficulty breathing, rash all over the body) after any previous vaccine.
- Other allergies: Your baby may be allergic to some of the ingredients in this vaccine. For example, tell your doctor if you have an allergy to yeast , neomycin or polymyxin B , or latex .
By talking to the doctor without hiding these things, we save the baby from unnecessary risk.
How is the vaccine given and what happens afterwards?
This vaccine is given as an injection into a muscle. For young children, it is usually given into the thigh muscle. It is given by a trained health professional in a hospital or clinic.
You should give your booster doses exactly on the scheduled days according to the schedule in your vaccine record book . Never miss an appointment. If for some reason you are unable to go on your scheduled day, call your doctor or family health worker immediately and arrange a new appointment.
What if I get too much vaccine?
This is usually given in a clinic, so the chances of an overdose are very low. However, if you have the slightest suspicion that something has happened, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital , or take the baby to the nearest hospital Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) .
What side effects can be expected?
Like any vaccine, there are some minor side effects that can occur after this vaccine is given. Most of these are not dangerous. But there are some things we need to be aware of. Let's break these down into two categories.
| Possible side effects after vaccination | |
|---|---|
| Symptom | Description |
| Serious symptoms that require immediate medical attention | |
| Severe allergic reaction | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue. |
| Difficulty breathing | Shortness of breath, rapid breathing. |
| Blue lips or fingernails | It may be a sign of insufficient oxygen in the blood. |
| High fever | A fever of more than 101 degrees Fahrenheit (38.3 Celsius). |
| Crying non-stop | Crying uncontrollably for more than 3 hours. |
| Seizures | Body shaking, loss of consciousness. |
| Minor symptoms that usually subside within a day or two | |
| Fussy/Orderliness | The baby is crying more than usual and is restless. |
| Pain at the injection site | Redness, swelling, or soreness at the injection site. |
| Low-grade fever | A fever of less than 101 Fahrenheit. |
| Drowsiness/loss of appetite | Sleeping more than being awake, drinking less milk. |
| Vomiting or diarrhea | Mild vomiting or diarrhea. |
Don't worry about these common side effects . They usually go away within a day or two. But if they persist, or if you have any concerns, be sure to talk to your doctor.
Are there any problems with other medications?
Yes. Some medications can affect the effectiveness of this vaccine. It is especially important to inform the doctor before giving the vaccine, especially if the child is taking immunosuppressants , cancer medications, or steroids such as prednisone.
Take-Home Message
- This 6-in-1 vaccine (DTaP-HepB-IPV) provides your baby with vital protection against dangerous diseases such as diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, hepatitis B, and polio.
- Before giving the vaccine, tell your doctor about your baby's health conditions, especially fever, previous seizures, or severe allergies to previous vaccines.
- It is normal to have a slight fever, soreness at the injection site, and restlessness after the vaccine. However, if your baby shows signs of a high fever, persistent crying, seizures, or severe allergic reactions, seek medical attention immediately.
- It is essential for your child's complete safety to administer the next doses of vaccine on time, according to the schedule in your vaccination book.
- If you have any concerns or doubts, never hesitate to discuss them with your doctor. It's best to listen to your concerns and find out.
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