Types of Vaccinations for Children After Birth
Recent controversy surrounding vaccinations have left some parents scared to vaccinate their children. Yet vaccinations are what guarantee the protection children need from serious medical diseases. Not only is it important to vaccinate your children but to also follow the vaccination schedule approved by the American Pediatric Association (APA).
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The Facts
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Vaccinations are made of bacteria that cause disease. They are killed, and then administered into the body either orally or through an injection. The immune system then produces antibodies to attack these bacteria, leaving the antibodies active in the body and ready to fight off the real disease, if a threat.
Function
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Vaccinations are given to protect children from serious and deadly medical diseases. They are given shortly after birth and follow a strict and detailed schedule. Vaccinations can be given at routine doctor appointments or at the local health department. Vaccinations are given by an injection or oral dose, depending on the type given. While many children once suffered or even died from these diseases, vaccinations now provide the immunity that children need to live full and healthy lives.
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Types
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Types of vaccination include:
--Hepatitis B
--DTap, protects your child against three diseases: diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (whooping cough)
--Hib, prevents meningitis and pneumonias
--Polio
--Pneumococcal
--Rotavirus
--Influenza
--Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR)
--Varicella (chicken pox)
--Hepatitis A
--Meningococcal
Time Frame
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Vaccinations follow a strict schedule, so it is important to go according to the recommended dosages. Vaccinations need to be spread out at different intervals in order to be effective and remain safe for young children. If done too closely together, vaccinations can cause negative side effects. If done too far apart, vaccinations can be ineffective, causing additional injections to be administered. Parents should follow the APA immunization schedule to ensure that their children are up to date.
Misconceptions
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Vaccinations sometimes are viewed in a negative light, which is why many parents are hesitant to vaccinate their children. Media and online sources report claims that vaccinations are risk factors for autism. However, studies consistently show that there is no link between vaccinations and autism. In fact, even with the recent increase in the number of parents not vaccinating their children, rates of autism have risen. Worse yet, we are seeing an increase in childhood diseases that we haven't seen in decades. By not giving vaccinations, children are vulnerable to debilitating and deadly diseases.
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