Written by Dr Nihan Khan
Immunization is one of the main components of primary healthcare of any country. Vaccines act as a vital tool against many diseases and infections for adults and kids alike. Toddler vaccination is probably one of the best health investments that money can buy. As a result of this immunization, various diseases like smallpox have been successfully eradicated from the world.
Toddler vaccinations are already there to protect them from diseases so that they can enjoy their childhood. Without these vaccine shots, a toddler is at risk of contracting serious infections. As a responsible parent, you must make sure that your toddler is getting all the vaccines on time.
In This Article
There are many vaccine preventable diseases like diphtheria, tuberculosis, tetanus, measles, chickenpox, mumps etc. Vaccines available against these diseases are strongly recommended by the Government of India and the Indian Academy of Pediatrics. Following your toddler’s immunization schedule will ensure that they remain disease free.
Timely jabs to your toddler can help prevent diseases leading to disabilities. One such example is polio vaccines, which protects them against the crippling disease. This helps in securing their future and also your money to get disability care, which is quite expensive. On a community level, vaccines stop the spread of these deadly diseases in the community and hence, to other kids. A successful immunization effort has resulted in the eradication of diseases like smallpox (1).
Everyone wants to see their toddlers in the best of health. However, it is quite possible that you might miss a doctor’s appointment. It may happen that there is a delay in vaccination, or it is missed. However, it is possible that you can give your little one the missed vaccination later. But, it is advisable to religiously follow the vaccination schedule as given by the pediatrician to effectively protect your toddler from harmful diseases.
There is no need to restart the whole schedule again. You can resume the schedule from where it is left and take your toddler for the pending dose.
Most of the parents dread their toddler’s vaccination appointments. It can be quite traumatic for the toddlers as well as the parents. Here are some tips that can help make the experience a bit better-
Your doctor will discuss in length about the vaccinations and the diseases they protect your toddler from. Here is a list of vaccine preventable diseases-
The poliovirus attacks the spinal cord and the brain causing paralysis. Both injectable and oral polio vaccines are available.
BCG vaccine is given at the time of birth. It provides protection against childhood tuberculosis (2). This disease affects the lungs, and in some cases other organs too.
MMR vaccine is given for protection against measles. It is an infectious respiratory disease causing fever and rashes. This vaccine gives protection against mumps and rubella as well.
It is a viral disease that causes inflammation of the liver. Three doses of the vaccine are given.
The vaccine comprises of two doses which help to prevent this viral disease of the liver. It can be a serious infection, leading to a number of complications.
It is a bacterial infection causing serious issues like pneumonia and meningitis. Three or four doses for HIB vaccination are available.
It can cause serious diarrhea in your toddler. Perhaps, it is the most common cause of severe diarrhea worldwide in infants and toddlers (3). The rotavirus vaccine is useful for protecting your toddler against the disease.
It is a highly contagious disease which is caused by the virus, namely herpes. The symptoms include mild flu, itchy rash, blisters, etc. Varicella is the vaccine against chickenpox. However, it is an optional vaccination and consists of two doses.
This disease can cause painful muscle spasms. It is a fatal disease and can even lead to paralysis. The DTP vaccine safeguards your little one from this disease and diphtheria and pertussis too.
Pneumococcus bacteria is the causal organism and can cause septicemia, meningitis, and pneumonia. Protect your toddler against these bacteria by pneumococcal vaccine PCV.
It can cause septicemia or meningitis. Meningitis is a serious illness that can seriously affect the brain and nervous system. MenACWY and MenB vaccines are available against the different serotypes of these bacteria.
A yearly flu vaccine can keep your toddler safe against the influenza virus. This virus can infect the upper respiratory tract and has the potential to spread quite quickly.
Vaccinations can be upsetting for your little one, after all, it is a prick. Soothing your toddler after a vaccination can be a little dicey, but simple strategies like holding them close, distracting them, and offering lots of hugs and kisses can help ease the post-vaccination pain. You can apply a cold pack to ease the pain. If the pain is more, then an age appropriate non-aspirin painkiller can be of great help.
Vaccines are safe and effective, but they can have a few minor side effects that need close monitoring. It is essential to closely look after your toddler for any unusual symptoms. Following certain precautions can be helpful-
It is important to stay up to date with your toddler’s immunization schedule. Make sure that you are aware of the pending vaccines of your little one. Timely vaccinations in toddlers keeps them away from diseases. Hence, follow the immunization schedule religiously as no one wants their toddler to keep missing school.
All the vaccines that are there in the national immunization schedule and are mandatory as per the government in your country, are important. All doses against the vaccine preventable diseases must be taken according to schedule.
The second dose of MR (measles and rubella) vaccine is given between 16-24 months. First booster shot of DPT and OPV must be given too.
Vaccinations are necessary to protect your toddler against many common diseases. Sometimes, minor diseases can complicate, leading to lifelong disability and even death.
Yes, your little one can handle these vaccines really well. Many times parents worry unnecessarily about multiple vaccines overloading the kid’s immune system. In fact, kids come across hundreds of germs every day.
Vaccines are very safe. They might cause a few side effects like fever, pain or rash. So, no need to worry about your toddler getting sick.
References
A
Admin
Mar 19, 2015
Hi Tanuja, Thank you for visiting us! You can find information on Swine Flu here For vaccination and other medicinal details, we suggest you speak to a doctor!! Thank You!
T
Tanuja
Mar 18, 2015
Kindly send me swine flu treatment and any important vaccine, and nutrition food for children above 5 yrs
Toddler First Aid Kit Essentials – Be Prepared For Emergencies
Hair Loss in Toddlers – Top Causes, Prevention and Home Remedies
Top 7 Exciting Gross Motor Activities For Toddlers
Toddler Crying at Bedtime – Tips For Parents to Deal With it
Top 9 Fun Fine Motor Activities For Toddlers
Top 5 Best Iron-Rich Foods For Toddlers
Get regular updates, great recommendations and other right stuff at the right time.