Child’s Vaccination Schedule: It’s that time of year again: back to school. But for parents, it means another round of immunizations for their children. While the thought of shots might make some people cringe, vaccinations are essential when you consider what could happen if your child were to get sick without them. Childhood immunizations help protect against diseases like polio and measles, life-threatening diseases in unvaccinated children. Some vaccines need multiple doses over a period of years to provide complete protection from disease, so don’t forget about all those boosters!
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What is Vaccine?
A vaccine is a biological agent that’s made up of either killed or weakened viruses or bacteria. It can be injected into the body or sprayed in the nose to prevent illness. By contrast, a shot refers to any form of medical treatment using a needle, such as an immunization (vaccine), drawing blood for tests, and giving insulin to treat diabetes.
A vaccine works by teaching the immune system (the body’s defense against disease) to recognize and attack microorganisms, like viruses or bacteria. This prepares the body to fight an illness if exposed to the real virus at a later time. For example, vaccines can help babies develop immunity before they are able to come into contact with potentially harmful germs. And because some vaccines protect against multiple diseases, children can have fewer shots with just one vaccine.
How many shots does a child need to get before they turn 18 years old
When a baby is born, he/she has some immunity from the mother and then begins developing his/her own immunity through vaccines.
The child needs to get at least 19 shots before they turn 18 years old in order to be fully protected against 10 diseases: hepatitis B, polio, Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), measles, mumps, rubella, Hib meningitis, and varicella (chickenpox).
It is important that you are aware of IAP recommended vaccination schedule to know everything about vaccine and to not miss any of the scheduled vaccine. When they are two months old or younger, then it is must keep track of every vaccine they receive until their 18th birthday. This means keeping records of each shot in a notebook, so you know how many shots they have left. Make sure you know what shots your child is supposed to have and be aware of the vaccine schedule for their age.
Why should children get vaccinated?
Children should get vaccinated to protect themselves from diseases. Vaccines can help your child build up their immune system if they are ever exposed to the real virus. Vaccines can prevent illnesses like measles and polio, which can be very dangerous for people who aren’t vaccinated. Children should also get vaccines to prevent diseases like rubella and whooping cough because it can be very dangerous for them to get the real virus while they are still young. Even if children don’t go out much, there is still a chance that they could come in contact with someone or something carrying the illness, and by getting vaccinated, you make sure your child will be protected.
Which vaccines do babies need?
Babies need vaccines to help them fight illnesses before they are able to come into contact with the virus. Babies should have a series of shots that will protect them from diseases like whooping cough and polio when they are still young. Most babies get a DTaP vaccine, which protects against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (whooping cough). They also usually get vaccines for hepatitis B, rotavirus, pneumococcus, HiB, and in some states, flu.
It’s important to know your schedule of vaccinations (immunizations) for your baby because he/she may need several shots over a period of time before they turn 18 years old. Getting all of their shots on time allows their immune system and overall health to develop fully.
At first, babies begin developing antibodies and defence cells through the placenta before they are even born. As soon as the baby is born, his/her mother’s antibodies transfer to the baby, giving them immunity for some diseases. After that, babies develop their own antibody and defence cells over time through vaccines given at 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, between 15-18 months, and then again right before starting school at age 5.
How to keep track of a child’s vaccination schedule
Vaccination records are your baby’s first and one of the most crucial health records. Keep these records digital, so you do not lose them ever. Suppose you are still using the old paper booklet to keep your child’s vaccination records. Keep a notebook that you use just for vaccines, which you will carry with you every time your child goes to a doctor or clinic. You can also store it in a lockbox so other people can’t get access to it. When giving vaccines, doctors should provide an official document stating what kinds and how many shots they gave your baby, so you don’t need to write it in yourself. Sometimes the paperwork gets mixed up, so be sure to check it carefully before signing or leaving the office, so nothing gets missed. Also, ask about any up appointments because not all shots are given at that time; some babies need boosters.
Conclusion
So there you have it, your quick guide to the vaccines that will protect our children from life-long illness. Vaccines are part of a child’s routine and they’re necessary for their health. We hope this article has helped you understand the importance of vaccinating your child on time so they can be healthy in school or at daycare!
