The baby immunization schedule is a rite of passage for new children and their parents. It is important to take a closer look at the child immunization schedule so that you understand what you need to do to keep your children safe. Understand that all vaccines go through a rigorous testing process that is controlled by government authorities and regulators. That way, every vaccine that has been released for use by the general public has been shown to be safe and effective. Immunizations are important because they protect not only yourself but also other people. As a parent, you need to get your child immunized to protect him or her as well as vulnerable members of the community who might not be able to get vaccinated.
If you have questions or concerns about vaccines, you should talk to your pediatrician to learn more. That way, you understand exactly how vaccines are made, why they are important, how they work, and why they are necessary for your child. Take a look at the vaccine schedule below, and make sure you work with a local medical professional who can help you get your child vaccinated.
What Is the Vaccine Schedule?
So, what exactly is the vaccine schedule? The vaccines that your child will receive include:
- The Hepatitis B Vaccine: Hepatitis B is a serious disease that can impact your child's liver. This vaccine is given in three separate doses. The first dose is given at birth. The second dose is given during the first or second month of life. Then, the third dose is given between six months and 15 months.
- Rotavirus: Rotavirus is a serious virus that can cause nausea and vomiting. This vaccine is either given as a 2 dose or 3 dose series. The first shot is given at 2 months of life. The second dose is given at 4 months of life. If the third dose is necessary, it is given at 6 months.
- Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis (DTaP): This is a shot that combines vaccines for multiple diseases into a single package. Diphtheria is a serious infection that can make it difficult for your child to breathe. Tetanus is a disease that people usually contract from rusty metal. Tetanus can lead to paralysis. Pertussis causes whooping cough. This is a shot that is given in four separate doses. The first dose is given at 2 months of life, the second dose is given at 4 months of life, the third dose is given at 6 months of life, and the 4th dose is given around 15 months of age. A fifth dose of this vaccine may be required around six years of age.
- Hib: Hib stands for Haemophilus influenzae B. This is a serious infection that can cause something called epiglottitis. This infection has virtually disappeared because of the vaccine. This vaccine is given in either three or four separate doses. The first dose is given at 2 months of life, the second dose is given at 4 months of life, the third dose is given at 6 months of life, and the 4th dose is given around 15 months of age if necessary.
- Penumococcus: This is a vaccine that is designed to protect against a pneumococcus infection, which can lead to serious respiratory issues. The first dose of given at 2 months of life, the second dose is given at 4 months of life, the third dose is given at 6 months of life, and the 4th dose is given around 15 months of age.
- Polio: The polio vaccine is designed to protect against the polio virus. The polio virus is a respiratory illness, but it can also lead to paralysis. The first dose is given at 2 months of life, the second dose is given at 4 months of life, and the third dose is given between 6 months of life, and 15 months of age.
- Measles, Mumps, and Rubella: This vaccine is designed to protect against measles, mumps, and rubella. These diseases can cause deafness, infertility, and neurological issues. The MMR vaccine is given in multiple doses. The first dose is given at a year of age. A second dose of this vaccine is usually given around 4 or 6 years of age.
- Varicella: The varicella vaccine is designed to protect against chickenpox and shingles. It is given in multiple doses. The first dose is given around 12 months of age. A second dose of this vaccine is usually given around 4 or 6 years of age.
- Hepatitis A: The hepatitis A vaccine is designed to protect against hepatitis A, which is a serious disease that can impact your child's liver. This is given as a two-dose series around 1 year of age.
In addition to these vaccines, your child will also need a human papillomavirus vaccine around adolescence. This vaccine is designed to protect against the contraction of multiple strains of HPV, which can lead to certain forms of cancer.
Your child should also receive an influenza virus vaccine annually. This is usually given as a single shot. It is required annually because the flu virus mutates quickly. The shot is designed to protect against the strains that are going to be prevalent that year.
Addressing Common Concerns Related to Childhood Vaccines
It is critically important for you to make sure your child is protected with vaccines, but it is also very normal to have questions about them. For example, a lot of parents are concerned about the number of shots children get in a relatively short period of time. Throughout the years, vaccines have been made better. Now, it is possible to create a larger immune response with fewer antigens and every shot. Therefore, even though your child might be receiving a lot of shots, he or she is going to be exposed to a lower number of antigens because vaccines have improved.
A lot of parents are also concerned about allergic reactions. It is possible that your child may be allergic to something in the vaccine. That is why all children are watched after they get a shot to make sure they do not have a reaction. If your child does have a reaction to a vaccine, a medical professional will be there to intervene.
If you have any questions or concerns about vaccines, you should reach out to your pediatrician to learn more. That way, you have access to all the information you need, and you can make sure your child is protected against these deadly illnesses. Vaccines are critical to the health and safety of kids everywhere.