Protect Your Baby's Health
A Guide to Infant Immunizations
One of the biggest responsibilities a mother will face is protecting the health of her baby. One of the best ways you can make certain your baby stays healthy is to provide all childhood vaccines at the recommended ages. Most of the following infant vaccines can be given in five visits at your doctor's office or public health clinic:
Diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis are all caused by bacteria. Diphtheria is spread person to person. It causes a thick covering in the back of the throat and can lead to breathing problems, paralysis, heart failure and death. Tetanus enters the body through cuts, scratches or wounds. It causes painful tightening of the muscles and death results in nearly 2 out of 10 cases. Pertussis or whooping cough is a very serious respiratory infection that spreads easily from person to person. The cough is characterized by a high pitched "whooping" sound. It can lead to pneumonia, seizures, hospitalization and even death. The DTaP combination vaccine is given at 2, 4, 6, and 12 months of age.
Hib is a bacterial infection caused by Haemophilus influenzae type b. It is often spread by individuals who are infected but show no symptoms. It is most likely to affect children under 5 and can cause bacterial meningitis, a serious infection of the covering of the brain. Hib meningitis once killed 600 children each year and left many survivors with deafness, seizures or mental retardation. The Hib vaccine is usually given at 2, 4, 6, and 12 months of age.
Hepatitis B (Hep B) is a virus that is found in the blood and body fluids of infected people. It affects people of all ages and a person can spread Hep B without even knowing it (including mother to unborn baby). Infection with Hep B can lead to liver disease or death. The Hep B vaccine is usually given at birth (in the hospital) and at 2 and 6 months of age.
Rotavirus infection is caused by a highly contagious virus found in the stool of infected people. The virus is often found on objects or in food and water contaminated with infected stool. Infants and young children are at greatest risk of infection. Symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting and fever; however, complications can include dehydration, shock and death. The vaccine against rotavirus consists of oral drops administered at 2, 4 and 6, months of age.
Pneumococcal disease is caused by bacteria that enter the body through the nose or mouth. Children under 2 years of age are at high risk for infection. Pneumococcal disease is a major cause of severe ear infections, meningitis, pneumonia and death. The vaccine against pneumococcal disease is given at 2, 4, 6, and 12 months of age.
Polio is a viral infection that can cause permanent paralysis and even death. Even though polio has been eradicated from the United States, it is still present in parts of the world. Our global society requires us to continue to be vigilant in vaccinating our babies against this disease that has claimed the lives of untold numbers of children. The polio vaccine is given at 2, 4, and 6 months of age.
Measles, mumps and rubella are all caused by viruses that are spread by contact with infected individuals. Measles is one of the most infectious diseases in the world. It causes a rash that begins on the face and spreads over the body. Complications can include pneumonia, brain damage and death. Mumps is characterized by swollen glands in the cheeks and under the jaw. Rubella causes a rash of small pink spots that start on the face and neck and last for 1 to 2 days. Women who are infected with rubella early in their pregnancy have a high risk of having a baby with serious birth defects. The combination measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine is given at the one year visit.
Varicella, also know as chickenpox, is caused by a virus that is highly contagious and spreads person to person through the air or by contact with fluid from chickenpox blisters. While most cases of varicella are mild, the disease can be serious. It can lead to severe skin infection, scarring, pneumonia, brain damage and even death. The vaccine is give at the one year visit.
Influenza, the flu, is a respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. The infection is spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing. Influenza can cause mild to severe illness and at times can lead to death. While anyone can get the flu, certain people are at high risk for developing complications, including infants and young children. The influenza vaccine can be given after 6 months of age.
Vaccines are very safe, but they can cause mild reactions, such as soreness at the injection site or a slight fever. This should not be cause for alarm. Serious reactions are extremely rare. It is important to discuss your child's vaccines and what to expect with your healthcare provider.