Toddler Diseases & Vaccinations

6 min read

Written by Editorial Team

Editorial Team

Baby Immunization Schedule
Unfortunately, children of today are still at risk of potentially severe and dangerous diseases. The government of India has recommended that all children should be given proper vaccination to protect against all diseases, which are more prevalent due to the presence of infections surrounding us. As children are more prone to various syndromes, it is very important to shield them through the vaccines and assist in developing immunity, especially to fight against the virus. If you are a parent, ensure that children must get some vaccination before they attend school.

Why Is Child Vaccination Important?

There are innumerable diseases, including diphtheria, tuberculosis, tetanus, measles, chickenpox, mums, and many others. Vaccines are available to protect all these diseases effectively and are strongly recommended by the Government of India and The Indian Academy of Pediatrics. As it is, prevention is always better than cure, and the government has identified some of the most dangerous diseases which can strike in childhood. Following your child’s immunization schedule will ensure that your child is effectively safe and protected by these diseases. Every pediatrician usually hands over an immunization schedule to parents indicating the compulsory and optional vaccinations, and when are they to be given to the baby. If all babies are given the shots at the right times, we might be able to eradicate these diseases from our country altogether – which is the motto. Some countries have already taken the lead and eradicated the most dangerous diseases completely.

What Happens If My Child Misses a Vaccination?

Though it is possible that you could give your baby the missed vaccination later, it is strongly advised to religiously follow the vaccination schedule as given by the pediatrician to effectively protect the baby from harmful diseases. Vaccinations increase and improve the immunity of babies. If you miss a vaccination, the immunity of the baby may not be strong enough to resist any virus, and he will be unprotected until he is given the missed vaccination.
Baby Vaccinations

Taking Your Baby For A Vaccination

Besides the little prick, and some discomfort to the baby, the vaccinations are safe for him. These vaccinations will protect him from many dangerous diseases, so a prick and some pain is a little price. As parents, you may feel nervous or bad on seeing your baby cry after a vaccination, but essentially, there is no need to worry. However, if your baby has not been feeling well of late, do inform the doctor about it. Minor illnesses may not be a reason to postpone a vaccine, but some conditions may make the doctor putt off the scheduler for a few days.
Mostly, babies seem to develop mild fever or an infection on the site the injection has been given. The inside of the hips of the lymph under the arms may swell up in some cases. These symptoms usually wear off in 2 to 3 days; however, if you are worried or the symptoms stay longer, do consult your doctor.

What Diseases Are Targeted Through Vaccinations?

Your doctor will discuss in length the vaccinations and the diseases they protect your baby from. However, to help you we have enlisted some of the diseases and their vaccination. Armed with information, you can discuss with the doctor which vaccine is suitable for you.
BTP-Baby-Vaccination

    1. Polio: The virus of polio attacks the spinal cord and the brain and can cause paralysis. It is caused due to mucus, feces, or saliva of a person who is infected. You can get your child the vaccination, namely injectible polio vaccine or oral polio vaccine. Though Oral Polio vaccine is compulsory, it is your choice if you want IPV or not
    2. Tuberculosis: This disease affects the lungs, and in some cases, the bone marrow, kidneys, brain, spine, and the intestines are also affected. Children below the age of two are vulnerable to TB due to their underdeveloped immunity. BCG is administered at birth itself to protect the babies from TB
    3. Measles: It was a common childhood sickness before the vaccine was introduced. It is a greatly infectious disease and spreads by coughing or sneezing. It leads to ear infections, bronchitis, bronchitis, etc. Protect your baby against measles through combination vaccine MMR
    4. Hepatitis B: It is a viral disease and is caused due to inflammation and irritation of the liver. It is mainly spread if you get in contact with the body fluids of an infected person. The symptoms are fatigue, appetite loss, fever, joint and muscle pain, vomiting, nausea, dark urine, and yellow skin. The vaccine to cure such disease is called Hep B.

Baby Vaccination

  1. Hepatitis A: It is also a viral disease of the liver. It spreads by contaminated water and food or else if you come in direct contact with the person who is infected with the disease. Safeguard your child with the HepA vaccine
  2. Haemophilus influenza Type B (HIB): It is also caused by a bacterial infection and spreads likely when a person sneezes and coughs. It distresses your throat, ear, and chest. At the same time, it can also cause other serious infections such as pneumonia, meningitis, or throat blockages. The three doses for HIB vaccination are completed by 16-24 weeks
  3. Rotavirus: It can cause serious diarrhea in your child, especially babies between the age of three months or two years. It can spread through contaminated toys, airborne droplets, or person to person contact. The rotavirus vaccine is useful for protecting your child against the disease, and the first dose is given by 6-8 weeks of baby’s birth
  4. Mumps: It is also a viral sickness that can lead to swelling around the neck and cheek. The MMR vaccine can shield your child against mumps
  5. Chickenpox: It is a highly contagious disease which is caused by the virus, namely Herpes. It spreads whenever an infected person sneezes or coughs or when he/she comes in close contact with the other person. The symptoms include mild flu, itchy rash, blisters, etc. Varicella is the vaccine against chickenpox, and it will ensure that your child never gets it in the future. It is, however, an optional vaccination
  6. Typhoid: Like all other diseases, it is also a bacterial disease. It is caused when one takes the contaminated food by the urine or feces of the infected individual. Symptoms are malaise, high fever, constipation, headache, rose color spots on the chest, etc. Thyroid vaccine is used for treatment
  7. Tetanus: This disease lead to painful muscle and spasm contraction. It is a fatal sickness. The DTP vaccine safeguards your little one against tetanus. Generally administered at two years and shots can be repeated every three years
  8. Pneumococcus: It spreads when a person sneezes or coughs. It can lead to sickness involving septicemia, meningitis, and pneumonia. Protect your child against this bacteria through pneumococcal vaccine PCV. The first dose is given at 6-8 weeks of the baby being born
  9. Meningococcus: It can cause septicemia or meningitis. Meningitis is a serious illness that can seriously affect your brain and nervous system. Get a meningococcal vaccine, and it will definitely protect your child against the disease
  10. Rubella: It is a mild sickness and can cause rash, fever, or swollen glands. The MMR vaccine can protect your child against the disease
  11. Whooping Cough: It is a highly infectious disease. Unlike others, it is also caused by sneezing and coughing. It starts with cold. The symptoms are vomiting, pneumonia, brain damage, weight loss, and even death. The DTP vaccine can protect your child against whooping cough

Take a look at our vaccination chart to refer and stay informed. I hope, the above information lets you know about all the vaccines that can protect you against all the bacterial diseases.
Baby vaccination

How Can I Help My Baby With Vaccination Pain?

Vaccinations can be upsetting for your little one, after all, it is a prick, and vaccination shots can be stressful for both the parents and the baby. As necessary as baby vaccinations are, every parent would always want to give the least discomfort to the baby. Soothing your baby after a vaccination can be a little dicey, but simple strategies like holding your baby close, feeding and distracting her, and offering lots of hugs and kisses can help ease the post-vaccination pain. Gently rubbing the baby’s skin can also help. You can also opt for some painless vaccinations if you so desire, and can also ask the doctor to apply for a numbing medicine, Never administer any OTC drugs to your baby to get rid of pain, Always seek the advice of your pediatrician.

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Editorial Team,

With a rich experience in pregnancy and parenting, our team of experts create insightful, well-curated, and easy-to-read content for our to-be-parents and parents at all stages of parenting.Read more.

Responses (2)

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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

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