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Immunizations
: Protecting Your Newborn From Disease
Immunization is one of the most important steps you can take to
ensure your baby's current and future health. Since immunization
was first invented, it has saved hundreds of thousands of children's
lives. This simple procedure involves the use of vaccines,
which protect children from serious, and sometimes fatal infectious
diseases by strengthening their immunity (their body's
ability to fight off these diseases).
Children are born with a degree of natural, inherited immunity
which they acquired in the womb from their mothers' blood. That
immunity is reinforced during breastfeeding, as breastmilk is
rich in antibodies, especially in the first few days after birth.
But this type of passive, inherited immunity is only temporary
- it wears off during a child's first year of life. This leaves
the child vulnerable to a host of serious diseases. But with the
help of vaccinations, children can develop protective immunity
against these diseases. Vaccines have proven extremely effective
in controlling and even eradicating some major childhood diseases.
Indeed, smallpox - a severe and often fatal disease which used
to be common among children - has been entirely wiped out by worldwide
immunization.
Vaccines are currently available to protect against the following
serious illnesses: diphtheria, tetanus, hepatitis, pertussis (whooping
cough), polio, measles, rubella (German measles), mumps, and hemophilus
influenza b. Chicken pox (varicella) vaccines are currently being
tested and developed, and will be available on the market in the
near future.
How do vaccines work?
Vaccines are oral or injected preparations made up of dead or
weakened disease organisms (bacteria or viruses). When living
disease organisms enter a person's system, the body fights infection
by producing antibodies which attack and kill the organisms.
In a similar fashion, vaccines stimulate the production of antibodies,
but without causing the serious symptoms which occur during infection
with living disease organisms. The result is that the body develops
immunity to that particular disease, and is protected for several
months or for a lifetime, depending on the vaccine.
Some vaccines induce prolonged or even lifelong immunity to certain
diseases, and can be given just once. But others, such as pertussis
or diphtheria, only induce a temporary immunity. These vaccines
require repeat injections (called boosters) in order to
maintain protection against such diseases.
Are vaccines safe?
Generally, vaccines are safe and very effective. The benefits
of immunization far outweigh any risks. Typical side-effects may
include a mild fever or slight rash, depending on the vaccine.
Your child's physician may recommend acetaminophen to treat mild
fever. More serious side effects are rare, but if other symptoms
develop or fever is high, consult your child's physician.
Keeping an immunization record
It's a good idea to keep a record of immunizations received. Record
sheets are often provided by doctors or clinics. They're valuable
if your family moves or changes doctors, and are a handy reminder
of upcoming vaccines or boosters. They are also proof of your
child's protection against certain infectious diseases - proof
which you may need to enrol your child in school or to travel
overseas.
Your child's immunization record should specify the types of vaccine,
and be dated and signed by the doctor each time an immunization
is given. The record should be kept at home in a safe, accessible
place, and should be taken with the family on trips away from
home.
To determine the best schedule for your child's immunizations,
consult a health care professional. For general guidelines, see
Immunization Schedule for USA or Immunization
Schedule for Canada.
Other Immunizations
Topics
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The information provided in this site is
designed to be an educational aid only. It is not intended to
replace the advice and care of your child's physician, nor is
it intended to be used for medical diagnosis or treatment. If
you suspect that your child has a medical condition, always
consult a physician.
© Autograph Communications Inc.,
All rights reserved
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