Kids have weaker immune systems than adults, making them prone to catching diseases that can cause serious health problems such as disability and even cause death. Childhood vaccination is one of the best public health achievements that has made it possible to save children from infectious diseases that years go harm or prove fatal to infants, children, and adults.
In this comprehensive guide, we will talk about everything you need to know about child vaccination, including how vaccines protect your child, the different types of vaccines children receive from birth to age 18, and their safety.
How Vaccines Protect Your Child?
Our body is continuously exposed to germs every day. The antibodies produced by our immune system in response to germs fight these germs and protect us from developing diseases that germs carry with them.
However, this is not the case with children, as their immune system is still in development and does not know how to fight germs. Vaccines introduce inactive or weakened germs or any of their components to your child’s body. This triggers the immune system of kids to create antibodies against the germs that were introduced and produces immunity.
Next time, when your child is exposed to the same germ for which they have been vaccinated, the antibodies become activated, quickly recognize the germs, and fight them off before they cause disease. This way, vaccines protect a child from a wide range of infectious diseases and illnesses.
Different Types of Vaccines Your Child Received from Birth to Age 18
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that your baby receive up to 10 different types of vaccines by the age of 15 months. Between the age of 15 months and 16 years old, your child may receive additional doses of already administered vaccines and other new vaccines.
Following are different types of vaccines recommended to protect your children from serious infections or diseases.
- Diphtheria and Tetanus Toxoids and Acellular Pertussis Adsorbed (DTaP)
- Measles, Mumps and Rubella Vaccine
- Influenza Vaccine
- Haemophilus b Conjugate Vaccine (Hib)
- Hepatitis A Vaccine
- Hepatitis B Vaccine
- Meningococcal Vaccine
- Poliovirus Vaccine
- Rotavirus Vaccine
- Varicella Virus Vaccine
- Pneumococcal 13-valent Conjugate Vaccine
- Human Papillomavirus Vaccine
Children receive different kinds of vaccines within a range of ages. It is best to speak with your child’s pediatrician about which vaccine your child should receive and at which age. You can also check the immunization schedule developed by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
The American Academy of Pediatrics and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend keeping your children up to date with their recommended vaccination schedule, which is split into two groups: birth to six years, and seven years to 18 years. Additionally, the American Academy of Pediatrics has also recommended a catch-up schedule for kids who are not up to date with their vaccines.
Safety Of Vaccines
Vaccines that your child receives are very safe. They undergo rigorous testing and study before they are administered to your child.
Sometimes, child vaccines may cause mild side effects such as low-grade fever, sore arm or leg, and body aches. These side effects are minor and can be easily managed at home.
Child Vaccinations in Woodlands and Spring TX
At Northwoods Pediatric Center, we provide personalized and compassionate care to your children. Our board-certified pediatrician specializes in healthcare services for newborns to young adults, including vaccination and immunizations, annual wellness checkups, seek visits, treatment of a wide range of acute childhood conditions, and management of chronic childhood diseases.
If you would like to schedule a consultation with our highly trained pediatrician, please call us today at (281) 296-7770 or fill out our online appointment request form.
