Immunisation

Immunization is one of the most effective ways to protect children against various infectious diseases, helping to reduce morbidity, mortality, and long-term complications. Here’s an overview of the key aspects of pediatric immunization:

Importance of Immunization

• Vaccines stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies against specific pathogens without causing the disease.
• Immunization helps prevent outbreaks, reduces the spread of infectious diseases, and protects those who cannot be vaccinated (e.g., due to medical conditions) through herd immunity.
• Early immunization is critical because infants and young children are particularly vulnerable to infections.

Types of Vaccines

• Live-Attenuated Vaccines: Contain a weakened form of the virus or bacteria (e.g., MMR, varicella, rotavirus). They generally provide long-lasting immunity but are not given to immunocompromised individuals.
• Inactivated Vaccines: Contain killed pathogens (e.g., inactivated polio vaccine, hepatitis A). These vaccines may require booster doses to maintain immunity.
• Subunit, Recombinant, or Conjugate Vaccines: Contain specific parts of the pathogen, such as proteins or sugars, which stimulate an immune response (e.g., hepatitis B, Hib, HPV).
• Toxoid Vaccines: Protect against toxins produced by bacteria rather than the bacteria themselves (e.g., diphtheria, tetanus).

Recommended Immunization Schedule

• At Birth: BCG (for tuberculosis), Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV), Hepatitis B.
• 6 Weeks: DTP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis), Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b), IPV (Inactivated Polio Vaccine), Hepatitis B (if not given at birth), and Rotavirus.
• 10 Weeks: Second doses of DTP, Hib, IPV, and Rotavirus.
• 14 Weeks: Third doses of DTP, Hib, IPV, and Rotavirus.
• 6 Months: Influenza vaccine (annual vaccination recommended starting at 6 months).
• 9 Months: Measles, sometimes also combined with mumps and rubella (MMR).
• 12-15 Months: MMR, varicella, and possibly a pneumococcal booster.
• 18 Months: DTP booster, Hib booster, and IPV booster.
• 4-6 Years: DTP booster, IPV, and second doses of MMR and varicella.
• 11-12 Years: HPV vaccine and Tdap booster.
• Every 10 Years: Tetanus and diphtheria booster.

Special Vaccinations

• HPV Vaccine: Given to adolescents (recommended for both boys and girls) to protect against human papillomavirus, which can lead to cervical and other cancers.
• Meningococcal Vaccine: Protects against meningitis and septicemia, often recommended during adolescence.
• Hepatitis A Vaccine: Recommended in certain regions and for high-risk groups.
• COVID-19 Vaccine: Now available for children in many places, with doses and schedule depending on age.

Booster Doses and Catch-Up Vaccinations

• Booster doses strengthen and prolong immunity, ensuring protection as children grow older.
• Catch-up vaccination schedules help children who may have missed earlier doses to complete their immunization as recommended.

Common Side Effects of Vaccination

• Most vaccines cause mild side effects like soreness at the injection site, fever, and irritability. These usually resolve within a few days.
• More severe reactions are rare but can occur (e.g., anaphylaxis). Vaccinators are trained to handle such reactions, and a waiting period after vaccination is often recommended.

Contraindications and Precautions

• Contraindications: Live vaccines should not be given to children with severe immunosuppression. Certain vaccines may also be contraindicated in cases of severe allergy to vaccine components.
• Precautions: In cases of moderate to severe illness, vaccines may be delayed until the child recovers.