Right from the time of birth, till the age of 12, your child will be vulnerable to a host of diseases, viruses, and bacteria. At such a tender age, the body of your child may not have the required immune system to protect them from these communicable diseases. In an event, where your child may contract a disease or virus, the consequences may be dire. Certain diseases such as diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough and HPV still exist today, and can still be easily be transmitted from one individual to another.
To prevent such an occurrence, the ideal solution is to protect your child through vaccination. Vaccinations ensure that your child is immune to certain communicable diseases, thus preventing them from contracting it or even suffering from the effects of it. In the occasion where they come into contact with an infected individual, the vaccinated child will not be affected by the serious effects or complications.
Vaccination
With timely baby vaccinations, your child will have immunity against vaccine-preventable diseases. As different diseases can affect your child at different ages, it is crucial that you, as a parent, ensure the protection of your child. We are well equipped and skilled in providing timely vaccinations for your baby. Our team will provide you with adequate knowledge and specifics regarding each immunization and the appropriate immunization scheduling.
It is crucial that all the recommended vaccinations for children are given at the right stage of your doctor-approved schedule. Although the timing for each child vaccination shot may differ according to the age and location, our doctors will ensure that you are kept informed of each immunization that is due. Additionally, our team is also well equipped to handle any specialized needs of your child and provide relevant treatment in the event your child suffers for any adverse reactions.
How does immunisation work?
Immunisation is a simple, safe and effective way to protect children against certain diseases. The serious health risks of these diseases are far greater than the very small risks of immunisation.
Immunisation protects children (and adults) against harmful infections before they come into contact with them in the community.
It uses the body’s natural defence mechanism — the immune system — to build resistance to specific infections. Generally, it takes about 2 weeks after vaccination for the immune system to respond fully.
Vaccination is the term used for getting a vaccine — that is, getting the injection or taking an oral vaccine dose. Immunisation refers to the process of both getting the vaccine and becoming immune to the disease after vaccination.
Why do children get so many vaccinations?
A number of vaccinations are required in the first few years of a child’s life to protect them against some of the most serious childhood infectious diseases. The immune system in young children does not work as well as the immune system in older children and adults, because it is still immature. Therefore, more doses of the vaccine are needed.
Another reason children get many vaccinations is that new vaccines against serious infections continue to be developed. The number of injections is reduced by the use of combination vaccines, where several vaccines are combined into one injection.
How common is newborn jaundice?
Many children get minor side effects such as redness, soreness and swelling where the needle went in, mild fever, and being irritable or unsettled. If your child has any of these side effects, give them extra fluids to drink, don’t overdress them if they feel hot, and consider giving them paracetamol to help ease any fever or soreness. Most side effects are short-lasting and the child recovers without any problems.
For young children about to receive their meningococcal B vaccination, you can give them the recommended dose of paracetamol beforehand. This can help reduce the chance of your child developing a fever.
