Introduction
In times of the Covid-19 outbreak, immunization becomes even more crucial than before. Children who undergo a proper course of vaccination before six years of age have a stronger immune system (CDC, 2019). It develops infection-fighting antibodies capable of protecting them from multiple dangerous threats, including measles, pertussis, tetanus, mumps, rubella, and other vaccine-preventable diseases.
Vaccination helps children to get proper protection without having to get sick. The body of unvaccinated children is usually too weak to cope with severe infections. Immunization measures proved to be effective and safe, having rare serious side effects. For instance, measles is currently almost forgotten in the US; however, before the first vaccine introduction, the virus had been causing 500 deaths a year (Fauci, 2019). Moreover, comprehensive vaccination stops the spread of infections between young children and adults, avoiding pandemics.
Varicella Vaccine
The varicella-zoster virus causes chickenpox that is a highly contagious disease. It is characterized by a specific itchy rash of blisters and fever. Varicella mortality is highest among children, especially those under one year old. The CDC recommends injecting the varicella vaccine two times between 12 months and 18 years to avoid it. The best time to do it is for the first time is 12-15 months, second – 4-6 years. Currently, 91% of babies receive chickenpox vaccination between 19-35 months of age (Hamborsky et al., 2015). Prematurely born children and those born to mothers who never had chickenpox are under higher threat.
DTaP
DTaP vaccine is designed to prevent the contraction of diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus (three deadly diseases caused by bacteria). Vaccination plays the role of the immune booster, protecting people for their whole life. According to the CDC, diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis, vaccination can be done across the entire lifespan. Nevertheless, the best moment is before seven years of age (fives doses at 2,4,6 months, at 15-18 months, and at 4-6 years). Children who have weak immunity grow in overcrowded households, and children care institutions are more susceptible to the infection. DTaP vaccines may have mild side effects (tiredness, loss of appetite, redness, swelling), while they proved to be effective (80-90%).
Hib
Haemophilus influenzae type b may result in such complications as meningitis, pneumonia, and bloodstream infection. Children younger than 5 years old form the most vulnerable population group. Pacific babies under two years and those aged 4-18 months have the highest risk of developing Hib meningitis. The presence of siblings, daycare attendance, crowded households, lack of breastfeeding, and parental smoking are among the risk factors. The CDC recommends four shots of the Hib vaccine at 2, 4, 6 months, and 12-15 months to avoid it. After receiving three doses of vaccine, 95% of children successfully develop antibodies needed for protection.
MMR Vaccine
MMR vaccine protects against measles, mumps, and rubella. Children between 12 months to 12 years of age are at high risk of contracting one of these diseases. CDC recommends injecting vaccines later than some other ones because it is less effective during the first year of life (due to the transfer of antibodies from the mother to the child). Children who have weak immunity travel to countries where measles is endemic are more likely to contract it (Hamborsky et al., 2015). Other risk factors for mumps and rubella include contact with infected individuals. Following the full immunization process, the MMR vaccine is 93% effective against measles, 97% against rubella, and 78% -mumps.
IPV
Inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) protects against polio, which is an infectious disease affecting the central nervous system and muscles. Infants and children under five years are more likely than other age groups to contract the virus. Moreover, the risk is growing due to the lack of vaccination and a weak immune system. The answer is four doses of vaccine at 2, 4, 6-18 months, and between 4-6 years of age (CDC, 2019). An accelerated schedule is recommended for those going to travel to the country with a high risk of polio.
RV
Rotavirus, if left not addressed, leads to severe diarrhea and dehydration. It is common in children aged from 3 to 35 months, especially for those staying at child care institutions. Babies who contact or live with peers are most at risk for infection. Rotavirus vaccine that is given orally is 98% effective in protection against severe rotavirus gastroenteritis (vomiting, diarrhea, and fever). CDC (2019) recommends applying rotavirus vaccination early. It involves 2 to 3 doses of available licensed vaccine at 2,4 and 6 months of age.
Influenza Vaccine
Influenza vaccine protects against the set of various flu viruses that children can contract in their environment. Currently, available vaccines are not able to protect us against the Covid-19. Nevertheless, the CDC recommends that everybody older than six months undergo flu vaccination once a year (CDC, 2019). There are cases when people simultaneously suffer from flu and coronavirus; thus, it is crucial to decrease the risk of flu illness, hospitalization, and death by joining immunization (Hamborsky et al., 2015). The effectiveness of this type of vaccination is determined by flu viruses present in the community and individual state of health. In general, 60% of patients of all ages successfully avoid influenza following the vaccination.
Conclusion
EBP and results of previously held immunization showed that most available vaccines are safe and effective in preventing diseases caused by infection and viruses. Children are more susceptible to them because of “inexperienced” and weak immune systems. Illnesses and diseases which now are preventable earlier had been killing many people. Vaccines work as immunity boosters protecting children’s health, especially those most vulnerable due to their specific age or environment. It is important to stick to the immunization schedule because it is based on the latest research and provides the most timely intervention to save children’s lives.
References
Fauci, A.S. (2019). The importance of childhood vaccinations. National Institute of Health. Web.
Hamborsky, J., Kroger, A., & Wolfe S. (Eds.). (2015). Epidemiology and prevention of vaccine-preventable diseases (13th ed.). Public Health Foundation.
CDC. (2019). Vaccine-preventable diseases fact sheets.