Essential Vaccinations for Children between the Age of 0-5 Years
Every parent fervently guards their children, and immunizing them against diseases is one way to do so. Thanks to advancements in medical science, your child is more protected against diseases than ever. Many diseases that formerly sickened or killed thousands of children have been eradicated, and others are on the verge of going extinct because of reliable and efficient vaccinations.
In this blog, we will guide parents on the importance of vaccination and a schedule of the necessary vaccines that kids under five should get. To make this post authentic with the right knowledge, we have gathered insights from Dr. Promilla Butani, a leading pediatrician specialist in Delhi. She is the founder of Dr. Promilla Butani's Pediatrics Practice. Continue reading to learn.
Importance of Vaccination
- Vaccinations Are Incredibly Effective And Safe
Vaccines are not given to children until after a thorough examination by doctors, scientists, and other medical professionals. The discomfort associated with vaccinations, including soreness, redness, or tenderness at the injection site, is insignificant compared to the pain, discomfort, and trauma of the diseases these vaccines are meant to prevent. It is extremely uncommon for vaccinations to cause serious side effects. For nearly all children, the benefits of vaccinations in preventing disease outweigh any potential side effects.
- Vaccination Helps in Child Development and Welfare
Injections and syringes may cause a child to prickle for a short while, but they shield them from major health issues. Timely vaccinations can promote healthy growth and general well-being. Immunization lowers the chance of negative health effects, saves time and money, and stops the spread of disease, making it a wise investment.
- Vaccinations Can Help Save Money and Time
A child may not be allowed to attend daycare centres or schools if they have a disease that can be prevented by vaccination. Certain diseases that can be prevented by immunization can cause long-term disabilities and incur high costs due to missed work, medical expenses, or long-term disability care.
- Immunization Protects Future Generations
Many diseases that killed or seriously crippled people only a few generations ago have been reduced and, in some cases, completely eradicated by vaccinations. For instance, the smallpox vaccine eliminated the illness worldwide. The smallpox vaccine is no longer necessary for your children because the disease has been eradicated. Parents in the future can trust that some diseases of today will not be around to harm their children in the future if we continue vaccinating now and completing vaccination campaigns.
When Is The Best Time To Vaccinate A Child?
The child should receive their initial doses for most vaccines within the first two years. To achieve complete protection, they might require multiple doses of the vaccine. Before starting elementary school, they should take a second dose (about 4 to 6 years of age). The babies can get their childhood vaccinations during their routinely scheduled well-baby checkups.
Vaccination Schedule for Kids Aged 0 to 5 Years
Dr. Promilla Butani, renowned as the best pediatrician in Delhi, has shared the list of important vaccines a child should get by age 5.
- Vaccination in First Year
- BCG: It guards against tuberculosis (TB) and is applied intradermally to the left shoulder.
- IPV: Injection-based polio vaccine.
- OPV (Oral Polio Vaccine): While IPV vaccination is the recommended course of action, IPV plus OPV combined will offer superior protection.
- DTAP/ DTWP Diphtheria, Tetanus Pertussis (Whooping Cough) - Pertussis: Vaccinations against both acellular and whole-cell pertussis are available. The "aP" vaccine produces fewer side effects, such as fever and injection site pain, than the "wP" vaccine, but both vaccinations are still very effective. On the other hand, children with a history of birth trauma or anoxia, febrile seizures, etc., benefit greatly from "aP."
- HIB: Children under five are susceptible to meningitis, ear infections, and blood infections (septicemia) due to Haemophilus influenzae B.
- Rotavirus Vaccine: This vaccine is administered orally in two or three doses prior to the age of six months to prevent diarrhoea caused by rotavirus.
- Measles: We can give the baby the German Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine or just the measles when the baby is nine months old.
- FLU Vaccine: It begins when a child is seven to nine months old. Kids in their first year are given two doses, separated by 4-6 weeks.
- Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine: It lowers the typhoid risk. This could be repeated in a year or two. There is no need for extra dosages.
- Vaccination in 2nd year
- MMR (Mumps, Measles, Rubella): Provided at 15 months
- Chicken Pox or Varicella Vaccine: Provided at 15 months
- PNEUMOCOCCAL VACCINE 1st booster: Provided at 15-18 months
- IPV, DTaP/DTwP/Hib 1st booster: Provided at15-18 months
- Hepatitis A Vaccine: Provided twice, six months apart, at the beginning of 18 to 19 months.
- Flu Vaccine: Provided once a year in a single dose.
- Vaccination in 3rd and 4th year
- Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine: The typhoid conjugate vaccine may be administered again after age two. If typhoid vaccination has never been administered before, it can be administered at any age. Two years later, a booster shot can be given.
- Meningococcal Vaccine: The meningococcal vaccine protects against one of the most serious kinds of meningitis caused by meningococci. It is taken in a single dose, starting at age 2 and continuing through adolescence and early adulthood.
- Vaccination in 4 ½ - 5 years
- MMR
- DTaP + IPV
- Chicken Pox Boosters
- Moreover, any immunizations for catch-up that might not have been given earlier for whatever reason.
Conclusion
Following the childhood vaccination schedule is the most effective method of safeguarding a child against numerous infections and illnesses. Immunizations can shield a child from a wide range of illnesses and ailments. Many of these diseases are easily contagious among kids and can lead to major health issues. Vaccinations are safe and essential to a child's health and safety. However, it is always advised to consult with a good pediatrician to determine what works best for your child.
New parents are often confused about what vaccine to give their child and when. There is no need to panic. One can always schedule an appointment with a skilled pediatrician to guide them at every point. One can visit Dr. Promilla Butani's Pediatrics Practice to speak with the top pediatric doctor in Delhi, Dr. Promilla Butani, and learn about vaccines.
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