health
Baby’ s vaccine schedule: the greatest hits
The line-up might sound a bit like a tongue-twister, but every vaccine has a clear purpose. Here’ s the key first-year schedule, according to Hewlett:
At birth: 6 weeks: 10 & 14 weeks: 6 months: 9 – 12 months:
BCG( for tuberculosis) and OPV 0( polio) |
A combo of vaccines for polio, rotavirus, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, hepatitis B, Hib meningitis, and pneumococcal infections |
Boosters to build strong immunity |
Measles Rubella 1 |
|
Further pneumococcal and measles protection |
In addition to the government’ s mandated schedule, there are also optional vaccines available that protect against less common diseases. Parents can speak to their healthcare provider about whether these additional vaccines are recommended for their baby.“ Multiple doses help build strong, lasting immunity,” Hewlett explains.“ This period is a window of vulnerability and timely vaccinations offer essential early protection.”
What vaccines actually do
Vaccines are clever, but not complicated. They contain small pieces of the virus or bacteria( called antigens), which in turn trigger the immune system to create antibodies and memory cells. This means the body learns how to fight the real thing without ever actually having to suffer through it.
“ Vaccines are most effective when administered early as the infant’ s immune system is particularly receptive and adaptive during this time,” says Dr Nicoletta Hay, a paediatrician at Mediclinic Morningside.
And the results speak volumes.“ According to the CDC, the number of vaccine-preventable illnesses dropped by more than 90 % after the introduction of routine childhood immunisations,” says Dr Hay.
But are there side effects?
In short, yes, but they’ re usually no big deal. Your baby might get a little fussy, run a mild fever or have some swelling at the injection site. This is just the immune system kicking into action.
www. babysandbeyond. co. za
“ These are normal and short-lived,” Hewlett confirms.“ Parents can manage them with cuddles, keeping the baby comfortable and using paracetamol if advised by a healthcare provider.”
Dr Hay agrees:“ A cool compress, a feed, and a snuggle usually do the trick. But avoid rubbing the area, and routine use of paracetamol isn’ t recommended unless advised, as it might slightly reduce vaccine effectiveness.”
Vaccination myth-busting
Thanks to the internet and tin-foil hat conspiracy theorists, new parents are sometimes wary of vaccines. But rest assured, science is firmly on the side of the needle.
“ One of the most common myths we hear is that vaccines cause autism,” says Hewlett.“ This has been debunked by extensive research.”
Another misconception is that babies receive too many vaccines too early.“ Babies safely handle many antigens daily,” Hewlett explains.“ Vaccines are carefully scheduled and do not overwhelm a baby’ s immune system.”
Dr Hay echoes this sentiment, adding:“ There is no evidence that receiving multiple vaccines overwhelms the immune system. In fact, today’ s vaccines contain fewer antigens than they did decades ago.”
What about‘ natural immunity’? Sounds like a good idea, but it can be risky.“ Natural infection can lead to severe illness – even death,” Hewlett says.“ Vaccines provide safer, controlled protection overall, especially longterm.”
33