The 10 Most Important Vaccinations for Children

1.MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella): The MMR vaccine covers three viral infections: measles, mumps, and rubella. These can cause serious complications like encephalitis and pneumonia. Two doses of the MMR vaccine are recommended, with the first at 12-15 months and the second at 4-6 years old.

2.Hib (Haemophilus Influenzae Type B): Hib bacteria can infect the lungs, blood, joints, bones, and protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord (meningitis) often leading to lasting brain damage or death if not treated. But the vaccine has decreased Hib disease rates by over 99%. Multiple vaccine doses by age 5 offer safe prevention.

3.Pneumococcal (PCV13): Pneumonia is a leading killer worldwide, responsible for 15% of deaths in children under 5 years old. The PCV13 vaccine covers the 13 strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae most likely to cause severe pneumonia, meningitis, and bloodstream infections. It requires 4 doses before age 2.

4.DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis): The DTaP vaccine protects against three major diseases: diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (whooping cough). Getting the full series of DTaP shots is vital for defence against these bacterial infections.

5.Varicella (Chicken Pox): Almost all children get infected with chickenpox before adulthood if not vaccinated. While usually mild, it can result in severe skin infections or flesh-eating strep bacteria. The vaccine prevents over 90% of cases and is given starting at 12 months old.

6.Polio: Thanks to vaccination, polio has been eliminated in many parts of the world, although it still exists in some countries. It is extremely contagious and can cause paralysis. Multiple polio vaccine doses starting at 2 months old are needed to protect kids’ nervous systems.

7.BCG Vaccine: The BCG vaccine plays a crucial role in protecting infants and children against tuberculosis, a bacterial infection primarily affecting the lungs but which can also impact other parts of the body.

Administered shortly after birth, it stimulates the immune system to recognize and combat the bacteria responsible for tuberculosis. While it may not prevent all cases of TB, the BCG vaccine has been instrumental in reducing the incidence of severe TB in children, including miliary TB and TB meningitis.

8.Rotavirus: Causing severe vomiting and diarrhoea in infants and young children, rotavirus leads to over 200,000 emergency room visits and 400,000 doctor visits annually. Thankfully, the rotavirus vaccine has cut hospitalization rates in half.

9.Hepatitis B: Hepatitis B attacks the liver leading to lifelong infection for some children. All newborns should receive their first dose immediately after birth to prevent transmission during early childhood when becoming chronically infected is highest. Additional vaccine doses are given before 18 months old.

10.HPV (Human papillomavirus): HPV causes multiple types of cancer. In fact, it is responsible for the vast majority of cervical cancer cases. Starting the vaccine series between ages 11-12 provides immunity well before exposure, which is vital since HPV is easily transmitted through sexual contact.

Schedule your appointment today at Hale Clinics, home to premier Paediatrician in Mohali.