PMH Vaccination
Vaccine Days: MON TO SAT 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Pediatric vaccines are essential for protecting children from a variety of serious and potentially life-threatening diseases. Administered according to a recommended schedule, these vaccines help build immunity and prevent the spread of infections, ensuring both individual and community health. By safeguarding children from diseases like measles, polio, and whooping cough, pediatric vaccines play a crucial role in promoting public health, reducing the burden of illness, and supporting the overall well-being of future generations.
Know Your Vaccine
- DPT (Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis): Protects against three bacterial diseases: diphtheria, tetanus (lockjaw), and pertussis (whooping cough).
- Administered in 5 doses, starting at 2 months old.
- Hepatitis B: Protects against the hepatitis B virus, which can cause liver infection, cirrhosis, and liver cancer.
- Administered in 3 doses, starting at birth.
- Polio (IPV): Protects against poliomyelitis, a viral infection that can lead to paralysis.
- Administered in 4 doses, starting at 2 months old.
- MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella): Protects against three viral diseases: measles, mumps, and rubella (German measles), which can cause severe complications.
- Administered in 2 doses, usually at 12 months and 4 years old.
- Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib): Protects against Hib disease, which can cause serious infections such as pneumonia, meningitis, and epiglottitis.
- Administered in 3 or 4 doses, starting at 2 months old.
- Pneumococcal (PCV13): Protects against pneumococcal infections, which can cause pneumonia, meningitis, and blood infections.
- Administered in 4 doses, starting at 2 months old.
- Rotavirus: Protects against rotavirus infection, which can cause severe diarrhea, vomiting, and dehydration in infants and young children.
- Administered in 2 or 3 doses, starting at 2 months old.
- Varicella (Chickenpox): Protects against chickenpox, a contagious viral infection that causes an itchy rash, fever, and flu-like symptoms.
- Administered in 2 doses, usually at 12 months and 4 years old.
- Hepatitis A: Protects against the hepatitis A virus, which affects the liver and can cause flu-like symptoms, nausea, and jaundice.
- Administered in 2 doses, starting at 1 year old.
- Influenza (Flu) Vaccine: Protects against seasonal flu, which can lead to severe illness, hospitalization, and death.
- Administered annually, starting at 6 months old.
Safety and Efficacy
Pediatric vaccines are rigorously tested for safety and efficacy before they are approved by regulatory authorities like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or the European Medicines Agency (EMA). After approval, vaccines continue to be monitored for safety and effectiveness through surveillance systems.
- Safety: Vaccines undergo extensive clinical trials to ensure they are safe and effective. Side effects are usually mild and temporary, such as a sore arm or mild fever.
- Efficacy: Vaccines provide long-lasting immunity by stimulating the immune system without causing the disease. In some cases, booster shots are required to maintain immunity.
Vaccine Myths and Misconceptions
Despite the overwhelming evidence supporting the safety and efficacy of vaccines, myths and misconceptions persist. Common myths include the idea that vaccines cause autism or that vaccines contain harmful chemicals. These claims have been debunked by scientific research, and vaccines are shown to be both safe and effective.
Challenges in Pediatric Vaccination
- Access to Vaccines: In some parts of the world, access to vaccines can be limited due to factors like cost, geography, or a lack of healthcare infrastructure.
- Vaccine Hesitancy: Some parents may delay or refuse vaccines due to misinformation or fear of side effects. Public health campaigns and education are essential in addressing these concerns.
- Global Health Disparities: While vaccines are widely available in developed countries, many developing nations still face challenges in providing vaccines to all children, leading to higher rates of preventable diseases.
Pediatric vaccines are a cornerstone of public health and play a crucial role in reducing child morbidity and mortality. Ensuring that children receive their recommended vaccines on time is vital for protecting their health and contributing to the broader goal of disease elimination. Vaccination is not only an individual responsibility but also a social one, helping protect vulnerable populations and supporting community immunity.
