What Immunizations Are Available for Children?

One of the greatest inventions of the modern era is immunizations. By receiving a simple shot, you can become immune to a dangerous disease without having to go through the experience of contracting the disease. This saves lives and has led to many diseases nearly going extinct. Researchers have put together a comprehensive list of vaccines for children to get over the years to contribute to a healthy, happy life. 

What to know

Vaccines are safe for children, but not all vaccines are suitable for all children.

Immunization safety

A child's immune system needs to be taken into account before a vaccine is given. Immunizations work by injecting a very small, inert amount of a disease into the body. This triggers the immune system to fight off the disease. Because the disease is limited, it does not cause the normal symptoms, but the exposure strengthens the immune system. It learns how to fight the disease, which makes the body immune to it in the future. 

However, it is possible for the immune system to be too weak to properly fight a disease. If children receive a vaccine when their immune system is not ready for it, they may get sick. The solution is to wait longer to receive the vaccine or, for some individuals, to skip receiving it altogether.

Because some people have immune systems too weak to receive certain immunizations, it is vital that everyone who is strong enough does receive them. If everyone around the immune-compromised individual is immune to a disease, then there is no one for the at-risk individual to contract the disease from. While there are minor risks involved in receiving vaccines, many of the dangers that people claim exist are completely unfounded.

Which ones are available for children

These are the vaccines that every healthy child should receive. Your doctor may vary from this schedule depending on your child's specific needs.

Standard vaccines

• At birth – A vaccine for hepatitis B should be given within 24 hours of birth and again at one or two months of age.
• At two months – Most children are ready to receive five vaccines at this age. DTaP is for tetanus, diphtheria and acellular pertussis. Hib is for haemophilus influenzae type b. IPV is given for inactivated poliovirus. PCV is given for pneumococcal conjugate. and RV is for rotavirus vaccine.
• At four months – Two months after the first batch of vaccines, a second dose of each is given to reinforce the immunization.
• At six months – A third dose may be given of any of the previous vaccines. Additionally, the first influenza shot can be given at this age, as well as once a year from now on.
• At one year – This is about the time when a vaccine for the measles, hepatitis A and chicken pox should be given.
• Teenager – Finally, teenagers should receive a vaccine for human papillomavirus and meningococcal conjugate.

Conclusion

This may seem like a lot, but all these immunizations are safe for most children. In fact, for the sake of continued good health, these are the vaccines every healthy child ought to receive.

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