There are some special vaccines recommended for children which help in preventing a lot of deadly and chronic diseases. Pediatricians also suggest a schedule for different vaccinations. It is important that you visit your pediatrician regularly to prevent any potential diseases, early detection of diseases, and top get your child vaccinated as per schedule.
Here is a list of vaccines that are a must for every child.
1. HEPATITIS B – Hepatitis is a virus that affects liver. It can be caused by parasites, viral infections, autoimmune diseases etc. It is difficult to detect because it generally shows no symptoms. This vaccination helps in prevention of type B virus of Hepatitis for a lifetime. Therefore, it is advised for all the children. It is a deadly disease that severely affects liver and can cause liver cancer. It can be transmitted through needles or contaminated blood or through sexual intercourse or through a pregnant mother to her child. The first injection is given after 2 days of birth, second after 2 months and third can be given when the child is 6-18 months old.
2. HEPATITIS A – Like HAB this virus also shows with no symptoms but it is a very common type of viral infection among children as well as teenagers. It is a communicable disease and can easily spread through water, food, touching eyes or nose or mouth and using the same toilet as this virus is present in the infected person’s stool. Pediatricians suggest washing hands often to prevent it from spreading. The two doses are injected when a child is between 12-20 months old at the gap of minimum 6 months.
3. ORAL POLIO VACCINE – Commonly known as Polio, Poliomyelitis is a condition where Polio virus affects nervous system and results into partial or full paralysis in young children. The early symptoms of this disease are weak muscles, muscular pains and fatigue. Eventually it leads to paralysis and even death in some cases. Until 1990 almost 500-1000 children were affected and paralysed by this virus on an average in India. The numbers have lowered remarkably since then and a number of campaigns are organized to spread awareness among masses regarding the Oral polio virus vaccine (OPV) so that all children could be given the vaccine. It is recommended to all children below 5 years of age.
4. BACILLUS CALMETTE GUERIN VACCINE – Bacillus Calmette Guerin or BCG is given to infants for immunity against tuberculosis. TB is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) which affects lungs and the early symptoms are cough, fatigue and fever.
5. DIPHTHERIA, PERTUSSIS, TETANUS – This one vaccine prevents three diseases namely Diphtheria, Pertussis and Tetanus. Diphtheria is a communicable disease transmitted through air. Tetanus is a type of infection which is triggered by bacterial toxin. Pertussis is also known as whooping cough which is a respiratory disease. DPT is given to children when they are 1.5 months, 2.5 months, and 3.5 months old.
6. MEASLES, MUMPS, RUBELLA VACCINE – MMR vaccine is suggested for your children to prevent mumps, measles, and rubella. The two doses are given when the child is 9 months and 12-15 months old. MMR are easily communicable through air.
7. VARICELLA (CHICKENPOX) – Chicken pox is a viral infection caused by varicella zoster virus or VZV. The symptoms are high fever, sore throat, itching, red pimples filled with fluid and it can leave permanent scars on skin. This is also an airborne disease. It is given to children when they’re 1 year of age and the second dose can be given after 3 weeks.
Dr. Promilla Butani is a well known pediatrician running her own Vaccination Clinic in South Delhi at Sarvodya Enclave. She also provides consultations for effective parenting. So, book your appointments now.