Vaccination In Kids
IMPORTANCE OF VACCINATION IN KIDS
Vaccination is one of the most significant achievements in the field of medicine, and its importance cannot be overstated, especially when it comes to children. Vaccines have played a pivotal role in preventing and controlling infectious diseases that were once rampant and deadly. In this blog, we will explore the essential role vaccines play in safeguarding the health and well-being of our children.
What is a vaccine?
A vaccine is a biological preparation that stimulates a person’s immune system to recognize and defend against specific infectious diseases. Vaccines typically contain weakened, inactivated, or pieces of the disease-causing microorganism, such as a virus or bacteria, or substances that mimic these microorganisms. When a person receives a vaccine, their immune system recognizes these components as foreign invaders and mounts an immune response to eliminate them.
The primary purpose of a vaccine is to train the immune system to recognize the pathogen and develop a memory of it. This way, if the person is ever exposed to the actual disease-causing microorganism in the future, their immune system can respond rapidly and effectively to prevent or reduce the severity of the infection. This immune memory is why vaccines provide long-lasting protection against specific diseases.
What are the benefits of vaccination?
Vaccination in children holds immense benefits that extend far beyond just preventing diseases. It’s a cornerstone of pediatric healthcare, offering a range of advantages for both individual well-being and public health.
First and foremost, vaccination serves as a powerful shield against a variety of potentially serious and life-threatening diseases. By introducing weakened or inactivated forms of pathogens or their components, vaccines stimulate a child’s immune system. This preparation equips the immune system to recognize and defend against specific diseases, ensuring that if the child is exposed to these pathogens, their body can mount an effective defense, often preventing the disease altogether.
In addition to disease prevention, vaccines are instrumental in reducing the severity of infections. Even if a vaccinated child contracts a vaccine-preventable disease, the illness is typically milder and less likely to result in severe complications. This translates into a quicker recovery and less suffering for the child.
The essential vaccines recommended by the WHO
1. Hepatitis B Vaccine
Protects against Hepatitis B, a viral infection that affects the liver. It can lead to chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. Vaccination is crucial to prevent these severe health consequences.
2. DTap Vaccine
Combines protection against three diseases: diphtheria (causes respiratory problems), tetanus (causes muscle stiffness and spasms), and pertussis (whooping cough, characterized by severe coughing fits). Vaccination prevents these potentially life-threatening illnesses.
3. Tetanus Vaccine
Specifically guards against tetanus, a bacterial infection caused by Clostridium tetani. Tetanus can occur through wounds or cuts and leads to muscle stiffness and painful spasms. Vaccination prevents this serious condition.
4. Pneumococcal Vaccine
Provides protection against infections caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria. This includes pneumonia, which affects the lungs; meningitis, an infection of the brain and spinal cord lining; and sepsis, a severe bloodstream infection.
5. Polio Vaccine
An essential tool in the global fight to eradicate polio. The vaccine prevents poliomyelitis, a contagious viral disease that can cause paralysis and, in severe cases, be fatal. Widespread vaccination contributes to polio elimination.
6. MMR Vaccine
Immunization against three viral diseases – measles (high fever and rash), mumps (swollen salivary glands), and rubella (German measles). Measles, in particular, can lead to severe complications and is highly contagious.
7. Chickenpox (Varicella) Vaccine
Prevents chickenpox, a viral infection characterized by an itchy rash. While often mild in children, chickenpox can be more severe in adults and lead to complications, such as pneumonia.
8. MCV (Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccine)
Guards against infections caused by Neisseria meningitidis bacteria. This vaccine is crucial for preventing bacterial meningitis, a severe infection of the brain and spinal cord lining.
9. Hepatitis A Vaccine
Prevents Hepatitis A, a viral infection of the liver that can result in jaundice, abdominal pain, and flu-like symptoms. Hepatitis A can be transmitted through contaminated food and water.
10. Rotavirus Vaccine:
Protects against rotavirus infections, a leading cause of severe diarrhea and dehydration in infants and young children. Rotavirus vaccines have significantly reduced childhood morbidity and mortality due to diarrheal diseases.
11. Haemophilus Influenzae Type B (Hib) Vaccine
Provides protection against infections caused by Haemophilus influenzae type B bacteria. Hib infections can lead to pneumonia, meningitis, and other serious illnesses, particularly in young children.
Side effects of the vaccine
Side effects of vaccines in kids are typically mild and short-lived. They can include pain or redness at the injection site, low-grade fever, irritability, fatigue, temporary loss of appetite, and occasionally a mild rash. Severe allergic reactions to vaccines are extremely rare but require immediate medical attention if they occur. Overall, the benefits of vaccination in preventing serious diseases far outweigh the potential risks of these mild and temporary side effects.
When can we postpone vaccination?
Vaccinations for kids can be postponed in specific situations, including when a child is experiencing moderate to severe illness, has recently received a blood transfusion, has a history of severe allergic reactions to a specific vaccine, is taking certain medications, has specific medical conditions that require consideration, or when there’s a pregnant woman in the household for some live vaccines. Postponing vaccines in these cases is typically done to ensure the child’s health and optimize the vaccine’s effectiveness, and it should be discussed with a healthcare provider. It’s important to catch up on missed vaccinations once the child is in better health or when conditions are suitable for vaccination to maintain protection against vaccine-preventable diseases.
