Immunizations and vaccinations are a vital part of the correct start for your child. Such medical interferences prevent your child from contracting severe, and in some cases fatal, illnesses. For a new parent thus it is essential to know about the vaccinations, the schedule of vaccinations, what are the pros and cons of having or giving vaccines to the child. 

Let’s take a look at the immunizations and vaccination in infancy.

Recommended Vaccination Schedule for Infants

Babies must be vaccinated by certain ages according to recommendations of health bureaus. Here’s a general overview, though it’s essential to consult your paediatrician for the schedule that applies in your region.

From Birth to 6 Months

Following are the vaccines necessary for infants from birth to 6 months. 

• Hepatitis B: The first vaccine is especially administered in the first 24 hours of life to shield the child against Hepatitis B, a virus that is risky to the liver.

• DTaP: Tdap – Diphtheria, Tetanus, and acellular Pertussis vaccine.

• IPV: Inactivated Polio Vaccine.

• HIB: Hib vaccine, which is a vaccine against Haemophilus influenza type B that causes bacterial diseases such as meningitis.

• PCV: Pneumococcal vaccine against pneumonia and invasive pneumococcal diseases.

• Rotavirus: A proposes a sweeter that contains the oral vaccine in order to prevent rotavirus which is one of the causes of severe diarrhea.

12-15 Months

Following are the vaccines necessary for infants from 12 to 15 months. 

• MMR: M-M-R II: Measles, Mumps and Rubella vaccine

• Varicella: Chickenpox vaccine

• Hib: Final dose

• PCV: Final dose

• Hepatitis A: Initial immunisation (boosters administered between 6 and 18 months after the first dose)

• DTaP: Final dose

This schedule makes certain that your baby is protected at the right time against serious diseases. Some vaccines such as the influenza vaccine give protection for only one year hence giving annual vaccines while others may require more than one dose for optimum protection.

Possible Side Effects of Vaccines

Vaccines are very safe, however, unlike any other medical procedures, there may be potential side effects. Most side effects are mild and temporary, here are some of the side effects. 

• Fever: Vaccination sites sometimes get sore and may result in mild fever, which is normal, and normally lasts for not more than a couple of days.

• Swelling or Redness at the Injection Site: This is another usual reaction, and normally decreases within the first three days of treatment.

• Fussiness or Irritability: After a vaccine your baby may be slightly fussier than normal, this is only temporary though.

Most of the side effects are minor and they are not life-threatening while a few of the serious side effects include: If the baby develops severe signs of allergy, for example, poor respiration, high temperature or prolonged crying, then should consult a doctor.

Tips for Making Vaccinations Easier

Vaccinations are among the most stressful events that you as a mother and your baby can undergo. Here are some tips to help make the experience smoother.

• Stay Calm: Babies are in a position to sense their parents’ anxiety. One of the approaches of handling colic in babies is to make sure that they do not cry by keeping calm and soothing the baby.

• Bring Comfort Items: It‘s recommended that you accompany your baby with a familiar object such as a blanket or toy that the baby is likely to be comfortable with during the appointment.

• Breastfeed or Offer a Bottle: Offering your baby food before or after the vaccination is good since this will help to calm down the child.

• Distraction Techniques: Prevent your child from crying during vaccination by using toys or mobile phones. 

Vaccination and immunization are essential when it comes to the protection of the health of your newborn baby. The given vaccination schedule above should be strictly followed, or else parents should be informed of the crucial role each vaccine plays in the growth of their child. Always, if there is anything that you do not understand or you are unclear about, you need to share with your paediatrician.