Immunization is, perhaps, among the most important steps to ensure your child's present and future health condition.
Ever since immunization was invented, millions of children's lives have been saved.
The procedure deals with the use of vaccines that can protect babies from serious infections and diseases by enhancing their immune systems.
Children are naturally born with an inherent immunity that they have received from their mother's wombs.
The immunity is then reinforced when the mom is breastfeeding as colostrums (the mother's first milk), which is rich in antibodies.
However, this form of inherited passive immunity eventually wears off after the infant's first year in life.
This, in turn, leaves the child vulnerable and more prone to diseases.
With the aid of vaccination, babies can now develop a form of protective immunity to keep them away from illnesses.
Through the years, vaccines have already been proven to efficiently control and eradicate most childhood illnesses.
Thanks to immunization, smallpox has already been eradicated.
       The following are some of the most common newborn vaccinations that are available today: Dtap.
The vaccine protects the baby from diphtheria, tetanus, and acellular pertussis or whooping cough.
Shots are usually given during the 2nd, 4th, 6th, 15th to 18th months, and at four to six years.
Side effects may include fever, appetite loss, swelling, redness and tenderness on the injection site.
MMR.
The vaccine shields your child against mumps, measles and rubella or German measles.
MMR shots are usually given on the 12th to 15th months and anytime from four to six years.
Some of the possible side effects are joint pains, slight fever, swelling in the neck and salivary glands, and rash.
HiB.
The HiB vaccine protects children from inflammation of the epiglottis, osteomyelitis or bone infection, pericarditis, or heart membrane infection, septicemia, or blood infection, and meningitis.
HiB vaccines are usually given on the 2nd, 4th, 6th, and 12th to 15th months.
Redness, rash, tenderness on injection site and fever are the most common adverse effects.
Var.
The vaccine protects your kids from chicken pox or Varicella and has been proven ninety percent effective.
The initial shot is usually given during the 12th and 18th months and then when the kid reaches four to six years.
Common side effects include small rash and soreness at injection site.
Hep B5.
HepB vaccine prevents the occurrence of hepatitis B in children.
Hep B is a chronic liver illness that can progress to liver cancer and liver failure.
The infant usually gets it directly after birth (except for preemies) and during the 1st to 4th and 6th to 18th months.
Expect acute fussiness and soreness as normal side effects.
Influenza.
The influenza vaccine protects the child from flu.
It is usually given to healthy infants over six months of age.
It is contraindicated to babies who have egg allergies.
Some of the possible adverse effects include fatigue, soreness at site, aches and fever.
PCV7.
Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine is helpful in protecting babies from meningitis, septicemia, pneumonia and ear infection.
Shots are given on the 2nd, 4th and 6th month.
Booster shots are also recommended during the baby's 12th to 15th month.