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Flu Season is Coming, Everything about Vaccinations for Children

2023-09-22  

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PARKWAY 百汇医疗

Vaccinating your baby is necessary to protect your child against severe diseases. Doing this not only protects your little one but other children as well.

1

What are vaccines?




Vaccines are a form of disease prevention. Infants build up their natural immunity against diseases from their mother and through breastfeeding. This immunity tends to fade by the age of 6 months. Vaccines help to stimulate your child's immune system by teaching it to recognise and respond to a disease. Exposure to vaccines will help your child's body develop antibodies to fight off germs when they are next exposed to them.

2

How does immunity work?



Our immune system is made up of different organs, cells and proteins. The 'innate' immune system is what we are born with, and the 'acquired' immune system is developed when our body produces antibodies in response to vaccinations or exposure to viruses, bacteria and other disease-causing pathogens.

These antibodies remain in us so that, the next time we are exposed to those pathogens, our body has the 'armour' to protect us against those specific diseases.

Vaccine–induced immunity (which is a form of acquired immunity) is achieved by introducing a 'killed' or 'weakened' form of the germ to our bodies in a 'safe' way by vaccinations.

3

What are vaccines made of?




Vaccines usually consist of a 'safe' form of the disease-causing germ, where the germ is weakened or killed. Some vaccines are in the form of a toxoid. 'Adjuvants' are used in some vaccines to help increase the immune response in the body.

4

What do vaccines protect against?



Vaccinations are not only important for the health of an individual, they also help in community or national disease prevention.

The National Childhood Immunisation Programme includes a variety of vaccinations that protect against several diseases. These diseases are:


  • Diptheria
  • Haemophilus Influenzae Type B
  • Hepatitis B
  • Measles
  • Mumps
  • Pertussis
  • Poliovirus
  • Rubella
  • Tetanus
  • Tuberculosis
  • Varicella (chickenpox)
  • Hepatitis A
  • Meningococcus
  • Japanese encephalitis


Other diseases that can be prevented by vaccinations include:


  • Pneumococcal Disease

  • Rotavirus

  • Enterovirus 71

  • Influenza

  • Human Papillomavirus


Do consult your pediatrician to find out more.

5

Side effects of vaccines



Vaccines are safe, as they are rigorously tested before they are certified ready for use. The benefits of vaccines far outweigh their risks.

Like any medicine, your child may experience some vaccine-related side effects. Most of these are mild and temporary.

They include:

  • Fever

  • Muscle aches

  • Soreness  and redness near the injection site


Rarely, serious adverse effects like allergic reactions may occur.


Do consult your doctor first if your child has a weak or suppressed immune system, or if there is a family or personal history of vaccine reactions.

6

How do I care for my child after the vaccination?




If your child experiences mild vaccine reactions such as pain at the injection site, a rash, or a fever; here are some steps you can take at home:


  • Give your child a cool sponge bath to reduce any fever. Antipyretics like paracetamol can also be given (after approval by your child's doctor);

  • Ensure your  child stays hydrated with lots of fluids;

  • Use a cool, wet cloth to reduce any redness and swelling at the injection site.


Discuss more with your child's doctor regarding the specific side-effects for each vaccine. Call your doctor if you notice anything unusual with your child.


Article reviewed by Dr. Branny Jiang, Pediatrician of Parkway.