Baby vaccinations
The vaccinations also called immunizations are very effective and give infants power to resist contagious and serious health conditions. This will protect the babies against many diseases such as tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis, measles, mumps, polio virus, hepatitis B and Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria.This immunization and vaccination schedule may vary depending upon where you live, your child's health, the type of vaccine, and the vaccines available. Ask your doctor about which vaccines your child should receive. Check with your doctor or nurse to make sure your baby is getting immunized on time. Also make sure you ask your doctor or nurse to give you a record card with all the dates of your baby's shots and be sure to bring it to every visit.
Your baby need vaccinations or immunizations due to the following reasons. Vaccination is the administration of antigenic material in the infant's body. The importance of immunization is that it helps to protect the infant's body against any infectious disease. It offers the life- long protection and security to the infant against deadly diseases which might invade its body any time through out its life.
Your baby's vaccination and immunization schedule may recommend the following vaccines:
* Birth- Hepatitis B
* 1-2 months- hepatitis B
* 2 months- DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis) vaccine, Hib vaccine, polio vaccine, pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV)
* 4 months- DTaP, Hib vaccine, polio vaccine, PCV.
* 6 months- DTaP, Hib, polio (6-18 months), PCV, hepatitis B (6-18 months)
* 12 months- MMR (12-15 months), Hib (12-15 months), chicken pox (12-18 months), PCV (12-15 months)
* 15 months- DTap (12-18 months)
1. Diphtheria, Tetanus and Pertussis Vaccines (DTaP): Diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis are serious diseases caused by bacteria. Diphtheria and Pertussis are spread from person to person. Tetanus enters the body through cuts or wounds.
Diphtheria causes a thick covering in the back of the throat and nose. It can lead to breathing problems, paralysis and heart attack.
Tetanus (Lockjaw) Vaccine: Tetanus causes painful tightening of the muscles, usually all over the body. It can lead to locking of the jaw so the baby cannot open his mouth or swallow.
Pertussis (Whooping Cough) vaccine: Pertussis causes coughing spells so bad that is hard for babies to eat, drink, or breathe. These spells can last for weeks. It can lead to pneumonia, seizures and brain damage.
Diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis vaccine (DTaP) can help prevent these diseases. Most babies who are vaccinated with DTaP will be protected throughout childhood.
Babies should get 5 doses of DTaP vaccine or immunization, one dose at each of the following ages:
* 2 months
* 4 months
* 6 months
* 15-18 months
* 4-6 years
