Vaccines and post-vaccination side effects

Why do children need these vaccines, and what are the common side effects?... Below is the most basic information about the 12 vaccines children need.

1. Hepatitis B

Infants receive this vaccine even before leaving the hospital, followed by another dose between 1-2 months of age and a third dose between 6-18 months of age. The vaccine protects against hepatitis B (caused by a virus with no cure that causes liver damage) which can be transmitted from mother to child if the mother is infected.

This virus spreads through contact with blood or other bodily fluids (sharing toothbrushes and other items can increase the risk of infection).

According to Dr. Gabrielle Gold-von Simson, assistant professor of pediatrics at New York University Langone Medical Center, pain at the injection site or a mild fever are the most common side effects.

2. DTaP

The DTaP vaccine protects against diphtheria (a germ that can form a gray or black coating in the throat), tetanus (an infectious disease that can cause very severe muscle spasms that can break bones), and pertussis (a highly contagious disease that causes a severe and uncontrollable cough).

Children receive five doses of the vaccine at 2, 4, 6, 15-18 months, and 4-6 years of age. (And booster shots at 11 or 12 years of age and every 10 years thereafter.)

DTaP can be combined with other vaccinations to reduce the number of injections needed. Dr. Gold-von Simson says, “Currently, there are combinations of DTaP with the hepatitis B vaccine and the polio vaccine. So, it’s a 5-in-1 dose.”

3. MMR

This combination vaccine protects against three viruses: measles (which causes high fever and a rash), mumps (which causes facial pain, swelling of the salivary glands, and sometimes swelling of the scrotum in boys), and rubella, also known as German measles (which can cause birth defects if contracted during pregnancy).

Children receive their first dose between 12 and 15 months of age and another dose between 4 and 6 years of age.

The MMR vaccine is sometimes combined with the chickenpox vaccine in a single injection (called ProQuad). Dr. Gold-von Simson stated, "All these different preparations are designed to reduce the number of injections."

4. Chickenpox

Chickenpox is a highly contagious rash disease that many people still remember from childhood, caused by the varicella virus (chickenpox virus).

Chickenpox infection can be particularly dangerous in adults who lack immunity from the vaccine or who did not receive the vaccine in childhood, and can also lead to shingles (a very painful blistering rash).

Children receive a second dose between 12 and 15 months of age. The vaccine may cause pain at the injection site, fever, and in some cases, a mild rash.

5. Haemophilus influenza type B (Hib)

Dr. Gold-von Simson stated, "Haemophilus influenza type b is the bacteria that causes meningitis." Meningitis (inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord) is particularly dangerous for children under 5 years old.

The Hib vaccine is typically administered at approximately 2, 4, 6, and 12-15 months of age.

Fever, swelling, and redness at the injection site are possible side effects.

6. Polio (IPV)

The polio vaccine is "a success," said Dr. Gold-von Simson. "Because thanks to the vaccine, there have been no further cases of polio."

There have been no further cases in the US. The virus has not been eradicated worldwide, so children can still receive the IPV vaccine or the inactivated polio vaccine (a single injection containing dead virus).

Polio can cause paralysis and even death. Children receive the IPV vaccine at 2, 4, and 6-18 months of age. A second dose is then given between the ages of 4 and 6.

7. Pneumococcal conjugate (PCV)

This vaccine, called PCV13 (brand name Prevnar 13), protects against 13 types of pneumococcal bacteria that can cause all sorts of problems including meningitis, pneumonia, ear infections, bloodstream infections, and even death.

In total, children receive four injections (at 2, 4, 6, and 12-15 months of age) to protect against germs collectively known as pneumococcal bacteria.

The most common side effects of this vaccine include drowsiness, swelling at the injection site, mild fever, and irritability.

8. Flu

Influenza vaccinations begin in the fall each year. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends vaccination for children 6 months of age and older.

Common side effects of this vaccine include pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site. Fever and aches may also occur.

Dr. Gold-von Simson said: "If you are allergic to eggs, you should not get the flu vaccine."

9. Rotavirus (RV)

The rotavirus (RV) vaccine (brand names RotaTeq, Rotarix) is given to children between 2 and 4 months of age (RotaTeq is also given at 6 months). The vaccine protects against a virus that is the most common cause of acute diarrhea and vomiting in young children worldwide. Approximately 55,000 American children were hospitalized each year due to rotavirus before the vaccine was approved in 2006.

This vaccine is in liquid form and is administered orally to infants. It may cause some discomfort and may also lead to mild diarrhea or vomiting.

10. Hepatitis A

Children can contract hepatitis A from sharing food and drinks or by putting contaminated food or objects in their mouths. This is a viral disease that affects the liver and can cause symptoms such as fever, fatigue, jaundice, and loss of appetite.

Children aged 12-23 months typically receive two doses of the hepatitis A vaccine, with a minimum interval of six months between doses.

Pain at the injection site, headache, and loss of appetite are the most common side effects of this vaccine.

11. Conjugated Meningitis (MCV4)

This vaccine, called MCV4 (brand names Menactra and Menveo), protects against meningitis bacteria that can infect the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. MCV4 is recommended for children aged 11 or 12, and anyone aged 2-55 who is at high risk of infection (those with certain health conditions, new recruits).

Teenagers entering college should receive the MCV4 vaccine before enrollment if they haven't already been vaccinated. (First-year students living in dormitories are at higher risk of infection.)

A slight feeling of pain at the injection site is the most common side effect.

12. Human papillomavirus (HPV)

The human papillomavirus vaccine (brand names Gardasil, Cervarix) is given to children in three doses over a six-month period and is used for females aged 9-26 years.

There are over one hundred types of HPV, and this vaccine protects against two sexually transmitted viruses that are the most common causes of cervical cancer. The Gardasil vaccine also protects against two types of viruses that cause genital warts and is also used for males aged 9-26.

Vaccines are only effective if administered before infection. Therefore, doctors recommend vaccinating children before they become sexually active.

According to Dan Tri - PC