Getting your child the right vaccinations at the right time is the first step in protecting their optimal health. As a parent, protecting your child's health and safety is vital to you. Vaccines for children guard them against dangerous, sometimes fatal illnesses, many of which have no known treatment.
This reading gives you a clear baby vaccination chart by age, so that it becomes easy for you to navigate. The 12 vital vaccinations that kid requires will be covered in this blog, along with their functions and when your child should have them, all in straightforward, understandable language.
Why Are Childhood Vaccines Important?
You should know that your kids’ immune system is trained to fend off harmful pathogens via vaccines. They serve as little body exercises, assisting your kids in developing strong defenses.
Childhood vaccinations are vital for the following reasons. Let’s have a look:
- Keep your kids safe from fatal illnesses, including whooping cough, polio, and measles.
- Protect others, particularly infants too young for vaccinations, by fostering herd immunity.
- Decrease long-term health problems and hospitalizations.
- Ensure the safety of communities and schools.
Let’s Learn about 12 Essential Childhood Vaccines (With Schedule)
Here are the 12 important vaccines that medical professionals and organizations like the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention prescribe for babies and children.
1. Hepatitis B (HepB)
Safeguards kids against liver illness known as hepatitis B.
Schedule:
- First dosage: At birth (within 24 hours)
- Second dose: A month or two
- Dosage three: 6–18 months
Why is this vaccine important?
This is because hepatitis B might lead to cancer or permanent liver damage. To protect infants immediately, the vaccination is administered at birth.
2. Rotavirus (RV)
An antibody that protects from Rotavirus, a leading cause of baby diarrhea.
Schedule:
- First dosage: Two months
- Second dosage: Four months (a third dose at six months is required by certain brands).
Why is this vaccine important?
Rotavirus may cause dehydration and hospitalization, and spreads swiftly in daycare environments.
3. Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis (DTaP)
Guards against diphtheria (infection of the throat), muscle stiffness/ tetanus, and the whooping cough/ pertussis.
Schedule:
- Five dosages in total: During periods 2, 4, 6, 15–18 months, and 4-6 years
Why is this vaccine important?
Babies can be severely affected by whooping cough; thankfully, over a number of years, this combination injection develops robust immunity.
4. Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)
Safeguards against pneumonia and meningitis caused by the Hib bacterium.
Schedule:
- First dosage: Two months
- Second dosage: Four months
- Third dosage: 6 months for this (if needed)
- 12- to 15-month booster
Why is this vaccine important?
In the past, Hib was a major contributor to infant mortality; in several places, the vaccination has almost completely ended it.
5. Pneumococcal Conjugate (PCV13 or PCV15)
Protects your children from infections in the blood, meningitis, pneumonia, et al.
Schedule:
- First dosage: Two months
- Second dosage: Four months
- Third dosage: Six months
- 12- to 15-month booster
Why is this vaccine important?
Pneumococcal illnesses can cause severe brain damage or death, especially in newborns.
6. Inactivated Poliovirus (IPV)
Protects kids from a virus known as polio known to cause paralysis.
Schedule:
- First dosage: Two months
- Second dosage: Four months
- Dosage three: 6–18 months
- Booster dose at four to six years
Why is this vaccine important?
There is no treatment or solution for polio, and the sole defense is this vaccination.
7. Influenza (Flu Shot)
Prevents seasonal influenza.
Schedule:
- Yearly, beginning at six months of age
Why is this vaccine important?
Children under five are more vulnerable to the flu; therefore, flu shots are changed every year to reflect the latest strain of the flu.
8. Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR)
Provides protection against measles (fever, pneumonia, and rash), mumps, or swollen glands; and rubella, which is a dangerous gestational illness.
Schedule:
- First dosage: 12–15 months
- Second dosage: 4-6 years
Why is this vaccine important?
Measles spreads quickly and can cause death or enlargement of the brain; thus, lifelong protection is provided by two dosages.
9. Varicella (Chickenpox)
Helps prevent the complications of chickenpox.
Schedule:
- First dosage: 12–15 months
- Second dosage: 4-6 years
Why is this vaccine important?
Both adults and infants can have severe cases of chickenpox. This vaccination guards against complications, scarring, and irritating rashes.
10. Hepatitis A (HepA)
Protects against Hepatitis A, a liver condition that can be contracted by food or water.
Schedule:
- Two doses: One at 12–23 months and another 6 or 18 months later.
Why is this vaccine important?
Children and others around them are protected by this vaccination. Weeks of sickness can result from even minor cases.
11. Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
Prevents the risk of cancers linked to HPV (cervical, throat, etc.)
Schedule:
- First dosage: Begin when you are 11 or 12 years old.
- Second dosage: Two doses separated by 6–12 months
- Dosage three: Needed if beginning at age 15 or older.
Why is this vaccine important?
Vaccination before exposure provides the best protection against HPV, which is highly prevalent.
12. COVID-19 Vaccine (for eligible age groups)
Protects your kids from the risk of COVID-19 and its complications.
Schedule:
- Depending on the brand and the age of the kid advised by a pediatrician.
- As per CDC advice, babies at six months and older are able to take shots.
Why is this vaccine important?
Some children may develop severe illnesses as a result of COVID-19, and new variations are targeted by newer vaccines.
Tips to Help You Stay on Track with Vaccines
To keep track of your child's dosages or a baby vaccination chart by age, you can definitely use a mobile app or an immunization schedule.
A few helpful things you can do:
- Maintain a printed copy of your vaccination records for childcare and school.
- During well-child visits, speak with your pediatrician and ask questions if you have any.
- Your child's specialist (pediatrician) is here to assist parents, so clear doubts if you're not sure.
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