Necessary Vaccinations For Newborns

By admin , in New Moms.

Every baby is required to receive vaccinations in the early years of their lives in order to protect them from a number of serious diseases. Vaccinations are developed to aid in prevention from being affected by an array of diseases.
Global data shows that about 13 million people die due to infectious disease each year, and half of these are children below five years of age. Research shows that most of these deaths could be avoided if proper immunization is done. Vaccinations basically work by boosting the immune system against the infections they are administered. Vaccinations are usually given in the form of injections.

Pros and Cons of Vaccinations:

Many parents are apprehensive about having their children inoculated. However, vaccinations have a number of benefits :-

• Vaccinations can protect infants from 14 deadly diseases.
• Immunizations are safe, and thus offer better protection than ever before.
• Immunization saves money that would later be spent on curing diseases.
• Immunization saves lives.
• Vaccinations also help prevent epidemics from breaking out.
• Vaccinations help ensure a healthier and productive society.

However, many parents may argue against vaccinations as :-

• Vaccinations are expensive.
• There is a fear of link of vaccinations and autism.
• By the time a child is 2 years old, she may have received about injections which seems like a lot to many parents.
• Many children may be allergic to vaccinations.
• Vaccinations if not properly stored or administered, may be harmful.
• No vaccine is 100% effective and 100% safe. A few vaccinated children fail to become immune, and a few develop side effects.

One must note that irrespective of the arguments put forward against vaccinations; they still remain the most potent way to protect you baby from various diseases. Some diseases that vaccination help prevent include

• Diphtheria: This causes breathing problems, heart failure, paralysis or even
• Hepatitis B: Can cause liver disease and in some cases cancer.
• Influenza also known as the flu.
• Measles: This disease causes rash, fever, cough, diarrhea, or more seriously brain damage or death.
• Mumps: Causes fever, headache and glands around the jaw to swell up.
• Pertussis, which is also known as whooping cough
• Polio
• Rubella, also called German measles
• Tetanus
• Varicella, also called chickenpox

Though there are numerous vaccinations that one may think off, it is essential that every baby is given the mandatory vaccinations prescribed for countering serious ailments. The following vaccination schedule is advised to combat the fore mentioned diseases:-

Diphtheria/tetanus/acellular pertussis (DTaP) or diphtheria/tetanus/pertussis (DTP): Four vaccinations are given at 2, 4, 6, and 12-15 months

Polio: Shots of inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) are given along with oral polio vaccine (OPV) at 12-18 months; or 3 shots of IPV at 2 and 4 months and 12-18 months; or 3 doses of OPV at 2 and 4 months and 12-18 months.

Measles/mumps/rubella (MMR): One vaccination is required any time between 12-15 months of age.

Chickenpox: One vaccination is given at 12-18 months.

Hepatitis B: Three vaccinations are given at 0-2 months, 1-4 months, and 6-18 months.

H. influenzae type B (Hib): Four vaccinations are administered at 2, 4, 6, and 12-15 months.