Important Vaccines for Infants and Young Children

Immunization is one of the most essential health interventions ever. Many lives by the millions are saved over the years and many diseases are prevented because of it.

At an early age, infants and young children have to be vaccinated in order to prevent diseases as soon as possible. It is also important to note that these diseases can get more serious among infants or kids.
Today, children from 0 to 2 years of age can be protected from serious diseases like:

• Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) (bacterial meningitis)
• Diphtheria
• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Influenza
• Measles
• Mumps
• Pertussis (whooping cough)
• Pneumococcal disease
• Polio
• Rubella (German measles)
• Tetanus (lockjaw)
• Rotavirus
• Varicella (chickenpox)

Vaccines are effective and failure to have your children vaccinated may put them at risk for serious diseases. Your children need at least one vaccine for each of these diseases and “combination vaccines” exist, where multiple vaccines are give in one shot to reduce the number of shots needed.

To have your child vaccinated, contact your healthcare provider or the city health department for an immunization doctor. If you have health insurance, this may be covered and will help you save money because some of these vaccines can be a bit costly. However, there are some that are given for free. Ask your local health center about it.

When should I have my baby vaccinated?

Tagged as: Haemophilus influenzae, health, Measles, Meningitis, Pertussis, Rubella, Vaccination, Vaccine