HomeHealth articlesvaccinationWhy Vaccination Is Important in Children?

Importance of Vaccination in children

Verified dataVerified data
0

5 min read

Share

The recommended immunization schedule may differ depending on where the individual lives, the type of vaccine, the child's health, and the vaccines available.

Written by

Dr. Geethika. B

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Veerabhadrudu Kuncham

Published At December 9, 2022
Reviewed AtMay 11, 2023

What Is Vaccination?

Vaccines help prevent infections and diseases by teaching the body's immune system to identify and fight against harmful organisms. These come in various forms, such as injections, pills, or nasal sprays. Vaccines for protection against diseases caused by viruses (like flu, COVID-19, polio, etc.) and bacteria (like tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis, tuberculosis, etc.) are available.

Parents must ensure that they get their children vaccinated as advised by their physician because vaccines help develop immunity against potentially life-threatening diseases even before their child gets exposed to such viruses and bacteria. As vaccines undergo several tests and trials before being administered to the real-time population, they are safe and effective.

What Are the Different Kinds of Vaccines?

Vaccines are classified into several types:

  • A weakened form of the germ is used in live-attenuated vaccines.

  • Inactivated vaccines use a germ that has been killed.

  • Only specific germ parts, such as protein, sugar, or casing, are used in subunit, recombinant, polysaccharide, and conjugate vaccines.

  • Toxoid vaccines use a toxin (harmful product) produced by the germ.

  • mRNA vaccines use messenger RNA, which instructs the cells on how to produce a protein (or a portion of a protein) from the germ.

  • Viral vector vaccines use genetic material that instructs the cells to produce a germ protein.

  • These vaccines also include a different, harmless virus that aids in transferring genetic material into the cells.

  • Vaccines work in various ways, but they all induce an immune response. The immune response is the body's way of defending itself against substances it perceives as foreign or harmful. Germs that can cause disease are among these substances.

What Vaccines Do Children Require?

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends the following vaccinations and schedules. Some variations are expected, and recommendations shift as new vaccines are developed.

The doctor will advise on the appropriate vaccinations and schedule for a child. Vaccinations that are recommended:

  • Varicella (chickenpox) vaccine.

  • DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis) vaccine.

  • Vaccine against Hepatitis A (Hep A).

  • Vaccine against Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib).

  • Vaccine against Hepatitis B (HepB).

  • Vaccine against human papillomavirus (HPV).

  • Vaccination against influenza (flu).

  • MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine.

  • Vaccines against meningococcal disease (MenACWY, MenB).

  • Vaccines against pneumococcal disease (PCV13, PPSV23).

  • Polio vaccine (IPV).

  • Vaccine against rotavirus (RV).

  • Vaccine against COVID-19.

  • Vaccination against dengue.

Why Are Vaccines Given So Early?

The diseases that childhood vaccines are meant to prevent are most likely to occur when a child is very young, and the risk of complications is greatest. That makes early vaccination, sometimes even as early as shortly after birth, essential. It might be too late if you postpone vaccines until a child is older.

When Should One Get Vaccinated?

Some vaccines may be administered as part of a combination vaccine, resulting in fewer shots for the child. It is always recommended to consult with a physician in order to understand the child's needs.

At Birth:

Hepatitis B Vaccine: The first dose should be given within 12 to 24 hours of birth. Children who have not previously been immunized can receive it at any age. Some low birth weight infants may receive it at one month or after being discharged from the hospital.

One to Two Months:

  • Hepatitis B vaccine: The second dose should be administered one to two months after the first.

Two Months:

Four Months:

The same vaccines are repeated for four months.

  • DTaP.

  • IPV.

  • Hib.

  • RV.

  • PCV.

Six Months:

  • DTaP.

  • PCV.

  • Hib: Based on the brand of vaccine used in previous Hib immunizations, a third dose may be required.

  • RV: Based on the brand of vaccine used at earlier RV immunizations, a third dose may be required.

Six Months and Annually:

Influenza (Flu) Vaccine: Every year, children aged six months and up are advised to get the flu vaccine: Children aged nine and less who receive the flu vaccine for the first time will receive two doses of it with a gap of at least a month between the shots. Those under nine who have previously received at least two doses of flu vaccine will only require one dose.

Children over the age of nine only need one dose. The vaccine is administered via needle injection (the flu shot) or nasal spray. The doctor will advise based on the child's age and overall health. The nasal spray is only available to healthy people aged two to 49. People with medical conditions like asthma, allergy, weak immune system (immunocompromised), and pregnant women should not receive the nasal spray vaccine.

Six to 18 Months:

  • IPV.

  • HepB.

12 to 15 Months:

  • Hib.

  • MMR: This is the vaccine against measles, mumps, and rubella (German measles). MMRV is a vaccine that is sometimes given in conjunction with the varicella vaccine.

  • Varicella (chickenpox).

  • PCV.

12 to 23 Months:

  • HepA: Hepatitis A vaccine is administered at least six months apart in two doses.

15 to 18 Months:

  • DTaP.

Four to Six Years:

  • MMR.

  • DTaP.

  • Varicella.

  • IPV.

9 to 16 Years:

  • Dengue vaccine: This vaccine is given in three doses to children who already have dengue fever and live in dengue-infested areas.

11 to 12 Years:

  • HPV: Human papillomavirus vaccine, administered in two doses over six to twelve months. It can be given as early as the age of nine. It is offered in three shots over six months to teenagers and young adults (ages 15 to 26). It is advised for both girls and boys to use it to prevent genital warts and certain types of cancer.

  • Tdap: Booster for tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis. Also advised during each time a woman gets pregnant.

  • MenACWY: Meningococcal vaccine. Meningococcal bacteria (types A, C, W, and Y) are protected. A booster dose is advised at the age of 16.

16 to 18 Years:

  • MenB: Meningococcal vaccine.Meningococcal bacteria type B protection. Depending on the brand, children and adolescents may receive the MenB vaccine in two or three doses. Unlike the meningococcal conjugate vaccine (recommended for everyone), teens, their parents, and the doctor decide to get the MenB vaccine. It is only recommended as a preventative measure for children aged ten and up during an outbreak or if the child has a weakened immune system.

Additional Information:

  • Babies traveling to a location where hepatitis A is common can be given the HepA vaccine at six months of age (they will still need routine vaccination after their first birthday). HepA is also recommended for grown-ups who have not previously received it.
  • If they travel internationally, babies as young as six months old can be given the MMR vaccine. These children should still receive the recommended routine doses at 12 to 15 months and four to six years of age, but the second dose can be given as soon as four weeks after the first if they will be traveling and at risk.

  • The flu vaccine is vital for children at high risk of flu-related illnesses. Children under five are at increased risk, as are those with chronic medical conditions such as asthma, heart disease, sickle cell disease, diabetes, or HIV.

  • Pneumococcal vaccines can be given to older children (age two and older) with immune system conditions like asplenia, HIV/AIDS, and other conditions such as a cochlear implant, chronic heart disease, or chronic lung disease.

  • Meningococcal vaccines are administered to children as young as eight weeks old who are at risk for a meningococcal infection, such as meningitis (depending on the vaccine brand). This includes children who have certain immune disorders. Children who live in (or will travel to) countries where meningitis is common or an outbreak should also receive the vaccine.

  • COVID-19 vaccines are declared safe and effective for both adults and children aged five and above. Adults and children aged 12 and up should get booster shots. Everyone who qualifies for the COVID-19 vaccine and booster shot should get it as soon as possible.

Conclusion:

Some parents hesitate to get their children vaccinated due to fears. They have concerns or questions about a child having a serious reaction or contracting the illness that the vaccine prevents. Vaccine components, on the other hand, are weakened or killed. Only parts of the germ are used in some cases; hence, they are unlikely to pose any serious health risk. Some vaccines may cause minor side effects, such as a fever or soreness when the shot is administered. Severe reactions, on the other hand, are uncommon. Vaccinations pose few risks compared to the health risks of the diseases they are designed to prevent.

Source Article IclonSourcesSource Article Arrow
Dr. Veerabhadrudu Kuncham
Dr. Veerabhadrudu Kuncham

Pediatrics

Tags:

immunizationvaccination
Community Banner Mobile
By subscribing, I agree to iCliniq's Terms & Privacy Policy.

Source Article ArrowMost popular articles

Do you have a question on

vaccination

Ask a doctor online

*guaranteed answer within 4 hours

Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. iCliniq privacy policy