Introduction

Vaccination is an essential component of public health, especially for babies and children. Because a newly born baby’s immune system is just developing they are more susceptible to diseases, which can lead to various health complications or sometimes, be the cause of death in babies and children. Vaccines are made to provide immunity against various life-threatening illnesses, by provoking our immune system without causing diseases. With the constantly changing global health landscape, it is more important to keep your baby vaccinated than ever. In this blog we will explore how vaccines work, why they are important, and when should your babies get vaccinated.

What Are Vaccines?

Vaccines are biological substances that help our immune system recognize and fight against specific infectious agents such as bacteria and viruses. Vaccines have antigens, which are either inactive or dead pathogens, or a part of pathogens such as sugar or protein molecules. When enters our body, these antigens of vaccines trigger our immune system to produce antibodies to fight against the antigens of the pathogen. These antibodies are then stored in the memory and they will be automatically active when the actual pathogen of that antigen enters the body. 

How Does the Immune System Work?

The immune system is our body’s natural defense mechanism against pathogenic substances such as bacteria, viruses, and other infectious agents. Our immune system consists of red blood cells, white blood cells, antibodies, and other agents to work together to help identify and fight off these pathogens. When the body first time encounters a pathogen, the immune system makes specific antibodies against that antigen to neutralize the effects of infection. This procedure can take some time and the person suffering from infection can experience the symptoms of that infection. However, once the infection is treated by our natural defense mechanism, it stores the memory of this infection, so that next time ensures a quicker and more effective response when a similar pathogen attacks again. 

Why Vaccines Are Important for Babies?

Babies are specifically more susceptible to infections because their immune system is still developing. During the first year of their life, babies need to get vaccinated so that they may be protected from some serious health issues that can be fatal in the long run. Illnesses such as tetanus, whooping cough, polio, and measles can have serious consequences if the babies are not timely vaccinated for these diseases. Vaccination is the only way of ensuring that your baby has a healthy start in life. 

When Should Babies Get Vaccinated?

Vaccination schedules are specifically designed to offer maximum protection when babies are most susceptible to infections. Here is the simpler breakdown of the vaccination schedule

At Birth

1. BCG: The Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccination is given to newborn babies at risk of getting tuberculosis (TB).
2. OPV (Polio): Oral polio vaccine (OPV) was introduced to ensure early protection against polio. 
3. Hepatitis B-1: Most infants who get the HepB series are protected from hepatitis B infection beyond childhood, into their adult years.

1 Month

1. Hepatitis B-2: Most infants who get the HepB series are protected from hepatitis B infection beyond childhood, into their adult years.

2 Month

1. DTap-1: DTaP vaccine can prevent diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis.
2. OPV-1 (Polio)
3. Hib-1: The vaccine provides long-term protection from Haemophilus influenzae type b.
4. Prevenar 13-1: Prevenar 13 is used to protect children aged between six weeks and 17 years against invasive disease, pneumonia, and acute otitis media (infection of the middle ear) caused by S. pneumoniae

4 Month

1. DTap-2 DTaP vaccine can prevent diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis.
2. OPV-2 (Polio)
3. Hib-2: 
4. Prevenar 13-2

6 Month

1. DTap-3
2. OPV-3 (Polio)
3. Hib-3
4. Prevenar 13-3
5. Hepatitis B-3

9 Month

1. Measles: The measles vaccine protects against becoming infected with measles.
2. Menactra: Menactra is approved for people aged 9 months through 55 years to protect against invasive meningococcal disease caused by serogroups A, C, W, and Y.

12 Month

1. VZV (chickenpox): Chickenpox vaccine prevents the disease and outbreaks in childcare settings and schools. 
2. Menactra

15 Month

1. MMR - 1: MMR vaccine is given to protect against measles, mumps, and rubella.
2. Hib - 4
3. Prevenar 13-1 (booster)

18 Month

1. DTap-4
2. OPV-4 (Polio)
3. Hepatitis A - 1: Hepatitis A vaccine can prevent hepatitis A

2 Year

1. Hepatitis A - 2
2. Typhoid - 1: Typhoid vaccine can prevent typhoid fever

4 Years

1. DTap-5
2. OPV-5 (Polio)

5 Years

1. MMR - 1
2. Typhoid - 2
3. VZV (chickenpox)

11 - 12 Year

1. Td: Td vaccine can prevent tetanus and diphtheria

Others

1. Rotavirus (|): Rotavirus vaccine can prevent rotavirus disease. Rotavirus commonly causes severe, watery diarrhea, mostly in babies and young children.
2. Rotavirus (||)

Conclusion

Vaccination is one of the most effective and safest ways to protect your kid against serious infections. Following the recommended vaccination schedule will ensure that your infant gets the required protection at the appropriate time. Parents must stay aware and follow immunization schedules to protect their children's health. Vaccines are essential for a healthy start in life, and their value cannot be emphasized.  If you want to track the record of your baby’s vaccination schedule, then download the Bebambi app now and benefit from our vaccination tracker feature.  This feature reminds you of your baby’s upcoming vaccination and helps you keep track digitally.