Regarding the vaccination of babies and children, in general there is concern about vaccinating small babies and how it can affect them, but there are also many other doubts and questions. Here we list Ten facts we should know about vaccines.
Having known what would happen if we stop vaccinating our children, we focus on other issues such as the diseases they avoid, their safety or the reactions they can cause in babies and children.
Why should I vaccinate my child? Vaccines are not mandatory, but children need them to protect them from dangerous childhood diseases. These diseases can have serious complications and even cause death in extreme cases.
What diseases avoid vaccines? Measles, mumps (mumps), polio, rubella, pertussis (pertussis), diphtheria, tetanus, haemophilus influenzae type b (meningoencephalitis), hepatitis B, chickenpox, rotavirus, pneumococcus ... among others. The Spanish Association of Pediatrics informs us about vaccines one by one.
How many vaccines does my child need? Vaccine calendars vary from one region and country to another, so it is necessary to check with our medical center and look at the baby's chart. In general, it is recommended to administer the following vaccines before the age of two: measles / mumps / rubella vaccine, Hib vaccines (one of the main causes of spinal meningitis or meningoencephalitis), polio vaccines, vaccines against Diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (DTP), hepatitis B vaccines, chickenpox vaccine. Here we can see the vaccination calendar of Spain 2010.
Are vaccines safe? It is very rare for vaccines to produce a serious reaction, but it can happen. However, the risks of getting a serious illness from not administering the vaccine are much greater than the risk of the vaccine causing a serious reaction.
Do vaccines have side effects? Yes, vaccines may have reactions or side effects, depending on the vaccine: mild fever, rash or pain at the site of infection. A slight discomfort is normal and should not be cause for alarm. Your doctor can provide more information.
What should I do if my son has a serious reaction? If you think your child is experiencing a persistent or serious reaction, it is best to call your doctor or take your child to the doctor's office immediately. Write what happened as well as the date and time it happened. Ask your doctor, nurse or health department to fill out an Adverse Reaction to Vaccines Report form.
Why can't I wait until my child starts school to get vaccinations? Vaccines should start at birth and have ended mostly at the age of two. By vaccinating your child on time (before two years) you can protect him from infections and prevent him from infecting others at school or daycare. Children under the age of five are very susceptible to disease because their immune systems have not developed the necessary defenses to fight infections.
Why is it important to have a sanitary vaccine registry? A sanitary vaccine registry helps you and your doctor administer vaccines on time. Registration must begin at the time of birth, when the child must receive his first vaccine, and must be updated each time the child receives the next one. This information will be useful if you move or change doctors, and also when you enroll in a nursery or when you start school. Remember to take the record every time you take the child to the doctor.
Are the vaccines free? Compulsory vaccines are included in the costs of the health system in those countries with extended Social Security coverage, such as Spain. In other places there may be vaccine programs that provide vaccines for children in need free of charge.
¿Where can i get more information? The vaccine portal of the Spanish Association of Pediatrics has a lot of information and a contact form. In the United States, the National Vaccination Information line for more information is 1-800-232-0233 (Spanish) or 1-800-232-2522 (English). Other pages on vaccines in Spanish are the Center for Disease Prevention and Control, Vaccine Information or the Spanish Association of Vaccination.
These are Ten facts we should know about vaccines that help us to know them a little more and to know how to expand information. In any case, we recommend consulting the pediatrician for any questions we have.
