Toddlers are children under the age group of 1-3 years. For the child’s holistic development and to shield them from any future health complications, parents must be aware of the vaccines that need to be administered to them, the number of doses, and their timings.
In this article, we will discuss the recommended vaccines for toddlers and also discover how these vaccines help your child combat several life-threatening diseases.
Why Is Vaccination Important For Toddlers?
- Vaccines have saved millions of lives across the world. They prevent illnesses, hospitalizations, and disabilities, and save out-of-pocket expenditures.
- Vaccinations not only protect the children who are getting them but also protect against spreading those infections among family members, friends, classmates, and the wider community.
- A focus on vaccination in infants and toddlers helps in the complete eradication of some of the diseases from the region and the country. Eg. Polio elimination in India.
- Vaccinations in toddlers strengthen the immune system as they grow.
- For some of the vaccines given during infancy, the protection may wane over time. Additional doses of vaccine in toddlers can help to boost their immunity and protect them for a longer time.
How Do Vaccines Protect Against Childhood Diseases?
Vaccines offer robust protection against a spectrum of childhood diseases. Through rigorous scientific research and development, vaccines have been meticulously engineered to stimulate the body’s immune system, enabling it to recognize and neutralize pathogens before they pose a danger to the health of your child.
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A virus is the major cause of liver infection in children which may lead to jaundice and liver failure. Hepatitis A vaccine can be given from the first year onwards. One or two doses of vaccines are given depending on the type of vaccine.
Japanese Encephalitis
Japanese encephalitis commonly known as brain fever is a viral infection, transmitted through mosquitoes. Severe cases can lead to fatality in up to 30% of the cases, and up to 50% of the survivors may have neurological sequelae. Japanese encephalitis vaccines can be given from 12-month onwards. Two doses of vaccine are recommended with a one-month gap.
Flu
Influenza viruses are the primary source of flu, a respiratory disease. Flu is contagious and can lead to serious illness, particularly in children under five years old and in children with certain chronic diseases like asthma, regardless of age. Children six months and older should get the flu shot annually.
Diphtheria, Tetanus, Whooping cough, Haemophilus influenzae, Polio (5 in one) booster dose (DTP-Hib-IPV)
Vaccines against the above five diseases are given in infancy – starting from 6 weeks. However, when it comes to toddlers’ age, the protection level is expected to wane. Hence, toddlers need a dose of these vaccines to boost their protection. The vaccine is given generally at 16-18 months of age as a booster dose.
Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR)
Measles is one of the severe viral infections. Symptoms like fever, cough, and a running nose are seen when a baby is infected, commonly followed by a rash that covers the whole body. Measles can lead to severe complications like seizures, ear infections, pneumonia, and even brain damage.
Mumps is a viral infection that can present itself with swollen and painful salivary glands. It can cause serious complications like deafness, brain damage, and swelling of reproductive organs; testicles, or ovaries.
Rubella is another viral infection that can present itself with fever, sore throat, rash, and joint pain. If pregnant mothers get affected with rubella, it can lead to miscarriage or babies born with severe birth defects.
Vaccines against the above 3 infections are available in combination as one shot called the MMR vaccine. The first dose of MMR is given at 9 months and the second at 15 months.
Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV)
Children under 2 years of age are at increased risk of pneumococcal infections which include pneumonia and conditions like meningitis and blood infection. In order to strengthen the protection achieved in infancy, it is recommended to give a booster dose of PCV to toddlers between 12 to 18 months.
Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccine (MCV)
Meningococcal infections are less common but can lead to severe diseases like meningitis (infection of brain covering) and bloodstream infection, both of which can lead to tragic outcomes in a matter of hours if not treated on time. Depending on the vaccine and age of the child, meningococcal conjugate vaccines can be given as two doses at 9 months and 12 months; or as a single dose at 2 years or later.
Conclusion
As children grow older, their immune systems naturally mature, but vaccines provide an added layer of protection against life-threatening diseases. By bolstering immunity, vaccines not only safeguard your toddlers but also communities by reducing the spread of contagious illnesses. This proactive approach to healthcare has proven to be one of the safest and most effective methods for preventing serious health complications and ensuring the well-being of future generations.
FAQs
Are vaccines safe for toddlers?
Getting vaccinated ensures that a child receives the maximum level of protection against illnesses and related complications. It also plays a crucial role in preventing infant mortality. While there can be minor side effects of vaccines, these are typically gentle and resolve without intervention in the majority of cases.
What is herd immunity, and why is it important for toddlers?
Those who are not immune to a disease, such as those who have never had the illness or are unable to develop immunity due to a compromised immune system, are protected by herd immunity, also known as community immunity. Toddlers who receive vaccinations assist in preventing the disease from spreading to others who have not received vaccinations.
Can my toddler get multiple vaccines at once?
It has been demonstrated that receiving several vaccinations at once is safe, cost-effective, and time-saving. Empirical evidence indicates that receiving many vaccinations concurrently does not result in health issues. However, it is advised to consult a pediatrician and stick to the suggested vaccine schedule.
References
- https://iapindia.org/pdf/vaccine-information/PNEUMOCOCCAL-VACCINES.pdf
- https://www.fda.gov/vaccines-blood-biologics/consumers-biologics/vaccines-children-guide-parents-and-caregivers
- https://www.indianpediatrics.net/dec2013/dec-1095-1108.htm
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7482790/
- https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/herd-immunity.html#:~:text=Herd%20immunity%20(also%20called%20community,have%20a%20weak%20immune%20system
- https://iapindia.org/pdf/vaccine-information/MENINGOCOCCAL-VACCINES.pdf
- https://iapindia.org/pdf/vaccine-information/MMR-VACCINE.pdf
- https://iapindia.org/pdf/vaccine-information/JAPANESE-ENCEPHALITIS-VACCINES.pdf
- https://iapindia.org/pdf/vaccine-information/HEPATITIS-A-VACCINES.pdf
- https://iapindia.org/pdf/vaccine-information/INFLUENZA-FLU-VACCINES.pdf