Immunizations
Immunizations are a necessary evil of childhood. As a mother,
it's heartbreaking to have your one year old begin to cry as
soon as you enter the pediatrician's building out of fear of a
shot, but every time you take him to the doctor, but
immunizations are the reason the death rate for infectious
disease among babies and young children is so low today.
Following are the immunizations your child should receive, and
the approximate ages at which they will receive them.
DTP - (Diptheria, tetanus and pertussis) - Your child will
receive this vaccine at around two months of age, four months,
six months, 12-18 months and the final dose between the ages of
4 and 6 years. The pertussis vaccine has a high risk of
reaction, those most reactions are mild. However, you should
ensure that your child is well at the time of the vaccine, and
that you watch them closely for about 72 hours after the
vaccine. Your doctor should provide you a complete list of
possible reactions, and how to treat them. However, for
certain, if your child runs a fever over 104°F or becomes limp
or difficult to wake up, seek treatment immediately.
MMR - (Measles, mumps, rubella) - Your child will receive this
vaccine between twelve and fifteen months of age, and then
again sometime between the ages of 4 and 12 years old.
Reactions to this vaccine are common, but mild, and don't
usually occur until about two weeks after the shot, so they are
often not recognized as being associated with the vaccine. Some
children have a mild rash and low grade fever, often
accompanied by swelling of the glands in the neck.
VZV - (Varicella) - You probably didn't receive this vaccine
for chickenpox, but your child will receive it between 12 and
18 months of age. Reactions are few, and usually include just a
mild fever.
Hib - (Hemophilus b) - This vaccine prevents a range of
infections, including meningitis, caused by the hemophilus
influenzae b virus. Your child will receive this vaccine at
two, four and six months, and then again between 12 and 15
months. Some doctors offer Hib combined with DTP in one
vaccine.
Hepatitis B - Your child probably will receive the first dose
of this vaccine at birth, and will get doses again between two
and four months and six to 18 months. This vaccine typically
causes no reactions.
OPV - This is the polio vaccine, which has been successful at
all but eradicating this crippling illness. Your child will
receive doses at two and four months, at eighteen months and
between four and six years. Children rarely suffer any reaction
to this oral vaccine, though it is typically postponed if your
child is sick.
Your child's vaccinations are typically administered at well
baby care visits. This is one of the reasons it is so important
to regularly attend these appointments. Receiving the right
vaccines at the right time is critical to your child's health.
About The Author: Sarah is a 41 year old wife and mother of two
boys and one girl. She spent many years as a manager in the
corporate world, and gave it up to be a stay at home mom. Go to
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