How vaccines work
Vaccines work by exposing the body to certain diseases
so that the immune system can produce anti-bodies to
them. This means, after being vaccinated against a certain
disease, if the person should be exposed to that disease,
their immune system would take action and destroy the
“germs.” The immunity developed by vaccination
is similar to the results of natural immunity, except
the person would not have to suffer from a disease first
to gain immunity.
Most vaccines are given to babies and toddlers to help
protect them from exposure to certain diseases and offer
them a lifetime of immunity.
The following link directs you to a childhood immunization
schedule based on The Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention guidelines:
JustMommies.Com
Vaccine Schedule
Perhaps you’ve never given any thought to just
what vaccines are being used. The recommended schedule
starts virtually at birth. Before leaving the hospital,
your child should receive their first injection for
Hepatitis B. Hepatitis B or HBV is a disease transmitted
by the blood or body fluid of an infected person. This
also includes an infected mother passing the disease
on to her newborn. HBV affects the liver and if contracted,
could lead to serious life long illness. HBV vaccine
is given in 3 separate doses, specifically spaced apart.
According to the CDC’s recommended schedule,
a child would receive vaccinations at 2 months, 4 months,
6 months, 12 months, 18 months and then between the
ages of 4 and 6 years.
Many states have vaccine requirements to enter children
into school and also have vaccine exemptions based on
religious, medical and personal beliefs.
Common Vaccinations
There are many vaccines used in the United States today,
but not all are given to children. The following information
describes the most common vaccines given and the diseases
they help prevent.
The Rotavirus vaccine is given in a 3 step series.
Rotavirus is the leading cause of severe diarrhea and
vomiting among children. Rotavirus
is dangerous because of the high risk of dehydration
and malnutrition. According to the CDC, Rotavirus results
in the hospitalization of approximately 55,000 children
each year. While the Rotavirus vaccine can not 100%
prevent the illness, most vaccinated children who are
exposed to the virus experience less severe symptoms.
Diptheria, Tetanus and Pertussis or DTaP is a combination
vaccine given in a 5 step series. Instead of receiving
3 separate injections, the vaccines are included in
one.
Diphtheria is caused by bacteria. Those who are exposed
can develop breathing problems caused by a thick covering
coating their throat.
Tetanus or lock jaw is a central nervous system disease
that causes tightening of the muscles. Once it progresses,
it can lead to permanent nervous system damage and death.
Pertussis, or whooping cough, is a highly contagious
respiratory infection. Pertussis can lead to bacterial
pneumonia and death. Prevention of Pertussis is best
achieved by vaccination. Pertussis is also most contagious
before the coughing starts.
Haemophillis type B or HIB can be given as a single
vaccine or included in the combination of DTaP or Hep
B injections. HIB is a severe bacterial infection that
causes meningitis, pneumonia and other complications
due to the bacteria. It is also given in a 4 step series.
The Pneumococcal Conjugate vaccine or PCV is a single
injection given in a 4 step series. Pneumococcal is
a bacterium that is one of the leading causes of death
among children in the United States. The Pneumococcal
bacteria can cause severe pneumonia and meningitis.
The vaccine used to prevent Polio is called the Inactivated
Polio vaccine. Polio is spread person to person by either
sneezing, coughing or coming in contacted with an infected
persons stool. Previously, individuals were given an
oral form of a live, weakened virus. When children were
being given the live virus, their stools became contaminated.
The Inactivated Polio vaccine is now given in a 4 step
series.
Measles, Mumps and Rubella or MMR is another combination
vaccine that is first given to children around 12 to
15 months of age. Measles are a highly infectious disease
of the respiratory tract. Measles is almost unheard
of in the U.S, mostly believed to the increased rate
of inoculation.
Mumps is a viral infection that causes swollen saliva
or salivary glands. Severe complications are rare.
Rubella or German measles is a mild disease in children,
but can cause severe birth defects if an unvaccinated
or previously exposed woman becomes pregnant when exposed.
Varicella or Chicken Pox is a 2 step injection series
given to children around the same time as the MMR inoculation.
Varicella is a disease which causes immense itching
accompanied by a blister-like rash. Chicken Pox is believed
to be more severe in adults then in children. While
Chicken Pox complications are rare, infections can occur
on the skin from excessive scratching.
Hepatitis A or HAV is a blood disease affecting the
liver. It is similar to that of Hepatitis B. Hepatitis
A is generally given to children around the same time
as MMR, Polio and Varicella.
Comforting your child after a vaccination
Since children will be getting so many shots, you can
count on lots of tears. There are several things parents
can do to help ease their child's distress when it comes
time for vaccinations.
For younger babies - swallowing is a comfort. You can
prepare your baby for the discomfort of an injection
by either breastfeeding or bottle feeding during the
injections or directly after.
Some doctors recommend giving children Tylenol. If
you’re not sure on the proper dosage, make sure
you ask or call your child’s doctors office to
request the proper dosage. Most infant’s medication
amount is determined by weight.
For older babies and children, positive reinforcement
and distraction works well. Be honest with your children.
Tell them that it might hurt for a second, but that
they can get through it. Make sure you bring along their
favorite toy or item from home too.
If you, the parent or perhaps the child’s grandparent
have to go to the doctors for any blood tests or shots,
bring the child along. Show them that adults get shots
too.
Vaccination side effects
If any redness or swelling appears at the injection
sites, apply a warm compress. You can do this by wetting
a washcloth with lukewarm water and then applying it
to the area(s).
Most side effects from vaccines are minor. A child
may experience excessive fussiness, slight fever, swelling
at the injection site and/or fatigue.
Thanks to constant advances in medicine, most serious
contagious diseases are unheard of in the USA today,
due to the effectiveness of vaccines.
©
Rebecca Pillar 2008
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