This page will answer your questions about childhood vaccinations.
What are vaccines?
A vaccine consists of weakened or dead bacteria or viruses that do not cause disease. It is given to stimulate the immune system to recognize these germs quickly upon future exposure, helping to fight them and prevent illness.
What are childhood vaccinations?
Childhood vaccinations are one of the most important ways to keep children healthy and protect them from serious infectious diseases. Vaccines strengthen the immune system to fight diseases, helping reduce infection spread and protect the community. Children need multiple doses over time to ensure full protection.
Why are vaccinations important for children?
- They give newborns a chance to grow healthy and enjoy a better life.
- Reduce complications and death from serious diseases.
- Protect not only vaccinated individuals but entire communities.
- Significantly reduce mortality rates.
- Play a key role in preventing infectious diseases.
- Reduce antibiotic resistance by lowering the need for antibiotics.
- Provide economic benefits by lowering treatment costs.
Basic childhood vaccinations by age:
- At birth:
BCG vaccine (for tuberculosis), first dose of Hepatitis B.
- 2 months:
Hexavalent vaccine (diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, inactivated polio, Hib, Hepatitis B), first dose of pneumococcal vaccine, first dose of rotavirus vaccine.
- 4 months:
Second dose of hexavalent vaccine, pneumococcal vaccine, rotavirus vaccine.
- 6 months:
Third dose of hexavalent vaccine, pneumococcal vaccine, first dose of oral polio vaccine.
- 12 months:
- 12 months:
MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, rubella), pneumococcal booster, first dose of varicella (chickenpox) vaccine.
- 18 months:
Quadrivalent vaccine (diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, polio), second dose of MMR, first dose of Hepatitis A vaccine.
- 24 months:
Second dose of Hepatitis A vaccine.
- 4-6 years:
Booster doses of quadrivalent vaccine, oral polio vaccine, MMR, second dose of varicella vaccine.
- 11-14 years:
HPV vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus booster vaccine.
Tips during vaccination:
- Try to relax and soothe the child; children pick up on their parents’ feelings.
- Holding and comforting the child helps calm them.
- Breastfeeding before, during, and after vaccination is beneficial.
- Distract the child with toys or other activities.
Tips after vaccination:
- Side effects may include mild to moderate fever, redness or swelling at injection site, mild rash, itching, nausea, or increased sleep, usually lasting 12 to 24 hours.
- Avoid overdressing the child.
- Provide plenty of fluids.
- Use child-appropriate paracetamol or ibuprofen to reduce fever if needed.
- Apply a cool, damp cloth (not ice) to reduce redness and swelling.
When to postpone vaccination?
- Fever or severe illness.
- Use of immunosuppressive drugs like chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
Common misconceptions about vaccines:
- Vaccines cause disease?
Vaccines are safe and effective; side effects are usually mild and expected. - Healthy children don’t need vaccines?
All children need vaccines to be protected from diseases. - Vaccines contain harmful substances?
Vaccines contain safe ingredients and undergo rigorous testing.
Frequently Asked Questions:
When should you consult specialists?
- If side effects last a long time or are severe.
- Severe allergic reactions.
- Seizures or decreased activity in the child.
- Crying for more than three hours.
- Before vaccination if the child has neurological disorders, immune deficiency, or severe allergies.
Why vaccinate children at an early age?
Because they are more vulnerable to serious diseases at this stage, early vaccination ensures prompt protection.
Why maintain the vaccination schedule?
For continuous protection, school or daycare registration requirements, and important medical documentation.
Is there a link between vaccines and egg allergy?
Most vaccines containing egg protein are safe even for people with egg allergies; consult a doctor for severe cases.
