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Baby vaccination schedule |
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Babies spend 9 months in a safe and sterile surrounding; away form harmful infections and organisms. As far as the mother can, she protects her unborn baby from anything that can hamper his/her development. From this safe environment, the baby suddenly finds itself in an environment that is riddled with viruses and bacteria. As parents, it is our responsibility to continue providing our babies with the protection that kept them safe before birth. On birth, babies are protected naturally for a little while because of the antibodies from the mother. They get further antibodies from the colostrum which is present in breast milk. However, this immunity that the baby gets from its mother does not last forever. It begins to wear off as the baby's own immune system starts to develop. When this begins to happen, the baby is susceptible to all forms of bacteria and viruses that can make it fall sick. At this time it is important that the baby's immune system has the capacity to fight any diseases that come its way. This is done through vaccinations. A baby vaccination schedule is very useful in making sure that your baby gets all the important vaccines that will
help fight illness. Baby vaccination schedules differ for countries mainly in the duration over which they can be taken. However all baby vaccination schedules have the same list of vaccines that are important for the baby. At 8 weeks, the baby is given vaccines for: Tetanus Polio Diphtheria Haemophilus influenzae type b Pneumococcal virus According to the baby vaccination schedule, at 12 weeks, the baby is given the following vaccines: Diphtheria Haemophilus Influenzae type b Meningitis C Polio Tetanus The baby vaccination schedule suggests that at 16 weeks, the following vaccines are given: Diphtheria Haemophilus Influenzae type b Meningitis C Polio Tetanus Pneumococcal virus At 12 months, according to the baby vaccination schedule the baby gets a combination vaccine of Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR). This dose is repeated at 15 months of age. Along with these basic vaccines, the baby vaccination schedule also recommends other vaccines for the baby including Hepatitis A and B, Varicella, and Meningococcal. Vaccines generally have no side effects on the baby. However, parents can expect a slight fever and increased irritability in the baby. There might also be a rash and soreness at the point of injection. Baby vaccination schedules allow parents to plan ahead for the medical needs of their baby. This also helps in preparing themselves for the baby's vaccination and accordingly consult doctors and take appointments. As parents we want to give our baby the best of everything there is and a baby vaccination schedule helps us plan for give the baby the best opportunity for a healthy future. Childhood Vaccination
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