From birth to the first years of a child’s life, there are prescribed vaccinations and medicines that must be given to the infant to ensure safety and immunity against childhood diseases.
These drops, injections and syrups protect the child and build up the white blood cells to make them strong against infections and other diseases.
Some diseases that vaccination protects against are:
HEPATITIS-B: This vaccination protects the child in cases where the mother is Hep-B positive and is given in 3 doses.
Rota Virus: this dose is given before the child reaches the 8-month mark, as this is the period of effectiveness against the virus.
DTap: this vaccination is against diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis and requires five doses. The first four are recommended at 2 months, 4 months, 6 months and between 15 and 18 months of age.
Hib – The vaccine against Haemophilus influenzae type b. Vaccinations are usually given at 2 months, 4 months and between 12 and 15 months of age.
PCV – The pneumococcal vaccine is a series of four doses given at 2 months, 4 months, 6 months and between 12 and 15 months of age.
IPV – The poliovirus vaccine is another vaccination against polio.
MMR – The measles, mumps and rubella vaccine is given in two doses. The vaccination schedule recommends that the first MMR vaccine dose be given at 12 to 15 months of age.
Varicella – This vaccine against chickenpox is also given in early childhood.
Hep A – The hepatitis A vaccine is not omitted from the vaccination schedule for children under 12 months of age.
There are other requirements to keep a child safe in the early months, such as vitamin A drops and cod liver oil. It should be noted that adult medicines cannot and should not be given to infants as they may have adverse effects on them. Therefore, there are medicines available in hospitals and certified pharmacies around the world that are suitable for treating infections and diseases in the first years of life.
Mothers are advised to complete the prescribed child immunisation schedule as this ensures the safety of their child and protection against minor illnesses and infections.
In rural areas, young mothers are advised by health workers on what foods and dietary habits to adopt and how often to visit local health centres to check the child’s growth rate.
Infants need sensitive care and vaccination is one way to help them live a healthy life.
Reference: CDC Blog, Healthwise
Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)