Immunization – The Best Way To Protect Your Child From Disease
The waiting room at Hunterdon Pediatric Associates´ Whitehouse Station office is geared toward their primary customers, children. Brand new toys invite kids of all ages to push buttons, pull levers and create imaginative drawings. Two television sets, one in the well child waiting area, and one in the area for sick children, entertain young viewers with the most popular cartoons. But despite the kid-friendly camaraderie, visitors are also greeted by the unmistakable wail of an unsuspecting infant who has just been given a shot.
And though it breaks parents´ hearts to subject their children to the minor pain of getting a needle, vaccinations are probably the single most important thing a parent can do to protect their children from getting some very serious diseases.
Being vaccinated is certainly not a pleasant experience for a child. But the pain of the needle usually only lasts for a few seconds, and the side effects, if any, are minimal.
The Hepatitis B vaccine (HBV) is given within the first few weeks after birth. It is given again between 1-4 months, and then between 6-18 months. The Hepatitis B vaccine was initially given to people at risk for the disease, namely those in healthcare, police officers and people living with someone infected with the disease. Then 10 years ago, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Center for Disease Control and the Academy of Family Physicians began a campaign to immunize all babies so that they would be protected when they’re older.
The Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (DTP) vaccine is given at two months, four months, six months, 15-18 months and at 4-6 years. A booster shot for tetanus should be given every ten years.
Parents used to worry about the side effects of the DTP vaccine, but about five years ago, a new version of the vaccine was developed. Since then there are fewer side effects such as fever or irritability. There is a dramatic difference. If there is a side effect, it’s most likely just a local reaction.
Diseases such as pertusis, also known as whooping cough, can be life-threatening in infants. Taking a few minutes to vaccinate a child could prevent a needless tragedy.
The Haemophilus, or HiB vaccine is a very safe, effective shot that prevents a form of meningitis and an infection of the epiglottis. This infection can cause a blockage in the throat, blocking the airway, and possibly resulting in death. But thanks to the HiB vaccine, Haemophilus disease has virtually been eliminated from the United States. HiB should be given at two months, four months, six months and 12-15 months.
The vaccine to protect against polio should be given at two months, four months and 18 months and at four to six years.
There are two versions of the polio vaccine, one given orally and one given through injection, and both are equally effective.
Some parents tend to have a misconception about the importance of being vaccinated for chickenpox. Some people think that chickenpox is a mild disease, a rite of passage for children. But almost 50 children in the United States die each year from chickenpox, parents are strongly urged to do the simplest thing they can, prevent chickenpox by vaccinating their children.
Measles, a disease that had a high fatality rate, is hardly ever seen anymore, thanks to stringent vaccination efforts. The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine should be given at 12-15 months and again just prior to starting school.
The newest immunization to be recommended by physicians is the pneumoccal vaccine, which was just approved last winter by the FDA. Babies should receive this shot at two months. It protects against meningitis and covers seven strains of organisms that cause it.
Speaker's Bureau
If your club or organization would like to host a presentation on a health topic or issue, please contact our Speaker's Bureau to make arrangements.