Once your baby completes 1st year birthday he or she is referred to as a toddler till 3 years of age. This is the time your baby undergoes significant physical, cognitive development. Navigating your toddler’s vaccination journey is a crucial aspect of their healthcare, ensuring they are protected against a range of preventable diseases. As a parent, understanding the intricacies of the vaccine schedule can be daunting, but it’s essential for safeguarding your child’s health and well-being. Some of the vaccines which were given in first year of life needs additional doses to be given to toddlers to sustain the protection and others given specially in toddlers age to shield them from potential illness.
In this article, we will discuss the significance of vaccination schedules and booster shots for your little ones.
Importance Of Childhood Vaccines
Vaccines are one of the safest and most effective ways to protect your child from the grip of several life-threatening diseases. Though different vaccines work in different ways, each vaccine helps the body’s immune system learn to fight bacteria and viruses that are harmful to health. Though it usually takes a few weeks for protection to develop after vaccination, childhood vaccines can be the best way to guarantee a healthy and happy life ahead.
The following are some of the advantages of the pediatric vaccinations:
- Vaccinations protect during critical age periods and some provide long-term protection as well.
- Booster shots administered to children help maintain immunity that may fade over time.
- Vaccines also create community (herd) immunity, reducing the chances of transmission of infectious agents, and providing protection to even unvaccinated individuals.
- Pediatric vaccines also help strengthen a child’s immune system.
Why Do Vaccination Schedules Matter?
Vaccines are unquestionably crucial for protecting your child against a variety of illnesses. The purpose of vaccination schedules is to guarantee that children receive the recommended vaccines at the optimal time when they are most susceptible.
The following are some of the benefits of adhering to a vaccination schedule for your toddler.
- Vaccine-preventable diseases, such as measles and polio, have significantly decreased in prevalence due to widespread vaccination efforts.
- There are diseases for which the child requires more than one dose; vaccine schedules ensure that your child is administered the required number of doses.
- Vaccinations can reduce exorbitant out-of-pocket medical expenditures if ever your child comes in contact with a vaccine-preventable disease.
- Vaccinations are spaced to ensure your child receives booster shots at the right time, reducing the risk of contracting diseases.
Preparing Your Toddler For Vaccination
At times your child might become difficult to handle while taking the vaccine shots, it may be due to the fear of injections or simply because the toddler feels uncomfortable in a hospital environment, which can seem unfamiliar. In such situations, the following tips can ensure a smooth vaccine day for you and your baby.
- Cuddle, sing or talk softly to soothe and divert your child’s attention.
Constantly smile and make eye contact. - Comfort your child with their favorite toy.
- Whenever possible, hold your child firmly on your lap.
- Hug your child once they have finished taking their vaccinations.
- Assure your toddler that everything is alright with a soothing voice and hugs.
- Parents can also offer their toddlers sweet beverages.
Consulting Your Healthcare Provider
Immunization schedules vary by country depending on which diseases are most prevalent. In India, the responsibility of charting the vaccination schedules lies with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
To prevent any missed vaccine doses for your little one and to ensure comprehensive protection against various diseases, it is advisable to consult your healthcare providers. They can assist you in navigating your child’s vaccination journey smoothly.
Final Takeaway
Vaccines are typically administered in childhood to safeguard against serious, often deadly diseases. By stimulating your baby’s natural defences, they prepare your toddler to combat diseases faster and more effectively. Evidence indicates that skipping vaccine shots can adversely affect the child’s health.
To ensure a healthy future for your child, it is of paramount significance to consult with your healthcare provider to administer vaccinations on time to your baby.
FAQs
Can I delay the vaccination schedule of my child?
Adhering to the recommended vaccination schedule is one of the best ways you can safeguard your child. Every time you delay getting them vaccinated your child becomes more susceptible to illness
What diseases do vaccines prevent?
Childhood vaccinations shield your child from potentially deadly diseases such as tetanus, which can cause excruciating muscle spasms, and difficulties in breathing and swallowing, and illnesses like measles and polio which can cause brain swelling and paralysis respectively.
Can a vaccine cause my baby to get sick?
Vaccines seldom cause major side effects and are incredibly safe. The majority of post-vaccination illnesses and discomforts are mild and these can be managed with over-the-counter pain medications as prescribed by a physician or by administering a cold compress to the injection site.
References:
- https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/parents/visit/before-during-after-shots.html
- https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/parents/by-age/months-12-23.html
- https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/parents/why-vaccinate/index.html
- https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/parents/by-age/years-2-3.html
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/infant-and-toddler-health/in-depth/vaccines/art-20048334
- https://www.fda.gov/vaccines-blood-biologics/consumers-biologics/vaccines-children-guide-parents-and-caregivers
- https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/vaccines-age.html
- https://www.nhs.uk/vaccinations/nhs-vaccinations-and-when-to-have-them/
- https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/immunization-chart.html
- https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/easy-to-read/child-easyread.html
- https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/parents/diseases/index.html
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7482790/
- https://www.unicef.org/parenting/health/parents-frequently-asked-questions-vaccines