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Introduction
Vaccines are one of the simplest, safest and most effective ways to safeguard your children against a variety of diseases that can cause serious harm, disability, and even death. They prepare your body to fight the disease faster and more effectively by stimulating your body’s natural defences. Vaccines boost your immune system’s ability to fight infections by activating your immune response to specific diseases. Then, if the virus or bacteria ever attacks your body again, your immune system will be prepared to fight it.
There are several not-so-common vaccines that can benefit your child. Learn about what they are, how they work, and what they do in this blog.
Rotavirus Vaccine
Rotavirus is a highly contagious virus that can cause acute gastroenteritis in babies and pre-school children. The virus causes severe diarrhoea, vomiting, fever, and abdominal pain. Children with rotavirus disease may become dehydrated and require hospitalisation. Rotavirus vaccine is the most effective way to protect your child from rotavirus disease. The vaccine will protect the majority of children (roughly 9 out of 10) from severe rotavirus disease. Approximately 7 out of 10 children will be immune to rotavirus disease of any severity. The rotavirus vaccine is administered orally. The first dose is usually given at 8 weeks, followed by the second dose at 12 weeks. The vaccine is administered directly into the baby’s mouth for them to swallow.
Vaccine against Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is a highly contagious liver infection caused by a virus. The hepatitis A virus (HAV) spreads primarily through ingestion of contaminated food and water. The vaccine is extremely safe and effective at preventing hepatitis A. Hepatitis A vaccine is required for children in two doses: 12 to 23 months of age for the first dose, followed by the second dose at least 6 months after the first.
Hepatitis B Vaccine
Hepatitis B is a viral infection that can cause mild illness lasting a few weeks, or it can lead to a serious, lifelong harm to the liver. It is transmitted when blood, sperm, or other bodily fluids from an infected person enters the body of an uninfected person.
The hepatitis B vaccine is administered in three shots, the first of which is administered at birth. The vaccine is recommended for all infants, children, and adolescents. Because the disease can be transmitted by casual contact, adults who are at risk of infection, such as healthcare workers and people who have multiple sexual partners, should also take it.
Vaccine against Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
HPV is a common infection that’s passed between people through skin-to-skin contact. HPV infection can be serious, and it can lead to various types of cancer, including cancer of the vulva, vagina, penis, or anus. The HPV vaccine is recommended for children between 9 to 11 years of age, and for older kids who aren’t yet vaccinated.
Vaccination against meningococcal disease
The bacterial infection meningococcal disease or meningitis is an infection caused by the bacteria Neisseria meningitidis. These illnesses are frequently severe and can result in long-term disability, and include infections of the brain and spinal cord lining (meningitis) and the bloodstream. Vaccines can help prevent meningococcal disease. All children between the age of 11-12 years should receive the vaccine, with a booster dose at the age of 16. Teens and young adults (16 to 23 years) may also be given the vaccine. Meningococcal vaccination is also recommended for other children and adults who are at high risk of meningococcal disease. It is also advised for college students living in dorms, as well as people travelling to areas where the disease is prevalent.
Vaccination against pneumococcal disease
Pneumococcal disease is the name given to any infection caused by the bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae or pneumococcus. Infections caused by pneumococcal bacteria can range from ear and sinus infections to pneumonia and bloodstream infections. It is especially dangerous for young children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems. This vaccine is an important preventive health care measure that substantially prevents serious and potentially fatal Pneumococcal disease. All children aged 2, 4, 6, and 12 to 15 months should receive the pneumococcal vaccine. It is also recommended for adults who have certain long-term health conditions, such as a serious heart or kidney condition.
Final thoughts
To conclude, your child can now be protected against more diseases than ever before thanks to advances in medical science. Vaccinations not only protect your child from potentially fatal diseases, but they also safeguard the wellness of your child. To find out more about the not-so-common vaccines, ask your child’s healthcare professional.
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