Children and adults receive immunity through vaccination for various diseases. Vaccines help strengthen the immune system, besides innate immunity in the body.

The Chronicles Of Immunity

Introduction

There are germs and disease-causing microorganisms all around us. There are multiple instances at any given time when a person is vulnerable and falls sick from being exposed to harmful organisms; these encounters prompt illness and, if exacerbated, demise.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The human body is quite marvelous &ndash; it has developed numerous approaches to shield itself against deadly pathogens known to mankind. Skin, mucus (bodily fluid), and cilia (minute hairs that remove and guide dust particles and other unwanted substances away from the lungs) all work as physical obstructions to stop pathogens from entering the body in any case.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

However, there are situations when a pathogen finds an entrance to harm the body. This offensive attack leads to our body&#39;s previously insusceptible defenses, called the <a href="https://merisehat.pk/article/how-an-over-prescription-of-antibiotics-affects-your-immune-system" target="_blank">immune system</a>, to be set off and the microorganism is attacked. The situation has only 2 outcomes: the pathogen is either eliminated or it survives.&nbsp;

<div>&nbsp;</div>

Understanding Vaccination Schedule in Childhood

Immunizations refer to the administration of vaccines that contain inactive segments of a specific organism (antigen) that sets off a defensive reaction by the body&rsquo;s immune system<a href="#accordion">[5]</a>.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

More recent vaccines contain a prototype or blueprint for creating antigens instead of the actual antigen itself. The human body creates the antigen irrespective of whether the vaccine administered comprises the actual antigen or just the blueprint. This weakened form of the organism does not trigger the illness in the individual receiving the required dose of the immunization; rather, it&rsquo;s sufficient to simply cause the immune system to react, as much as it would have in case of invasion by a real and active microorganism<a href="#accordion">[5]</a>.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

A few immunizations require more than a single dose, separated by weeks or months. This is done keeping in mind that the body needs some time to create enduring antibodies and develop memory cells. This is how the body prepares to battle that particular sickness-causing entity; based on the memory of this battle, the body is then able to respond to it immediately&nbsp; in case of future exposure<a href="#accordion">[5]</a>. 
&nbsp;

While vaccinations are necessary and vitally important to sustain a healthy and functioning human being, all the required doses are not given to an infant right after birth. To ensure that the fragile and developing body of a newborn baby is not overwhelmed, they are strategically spaced out on a medically approved and suggested timeline to make certain that no dose is missed<a href="#accordion">[2]</a>.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Note: As a new parent, you should not fret. This article will elaborate the recommended vaccination schedule for your ease. However, it&rsquo;s imperative that you do not skip your appointments before and after the birth of your child and consult your pediatrician&nbsp; about the vaccines that your little one should be receiving.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

For infants, breast milk is great to build a strong immune system and protect them against numerous infections. Nonetheless, after weaning is complete, this resistance wears off gradually. Then there are some parents who either choose not to breastfeed or are unable to rely on breastfeeding.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Regardless of whether the kid has been breastfed or not, vaccines are needed to help safeguard them from illness.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Hepatitis B is the principal vaccine most children receive immediately after birth. It is allowed within the first 24 hours of birth<a href="#accordion">[1]</a>. Because the vaccine is divided into three doses, your child will get a second dose of hepatitis B immunization when they are older, around 1-2 months old. The third dose is administered when they are between 6 and 18 months old<a href="#accordion">[1]</a>.

&nbsp;

Hepatitis B vaccine is chosen to be given first because of the rampant endemic the infection has caused in most parts of the world. Furthermore, individuals who are infected with hepatitis B as a child have a 90% possibility of developing chronic complications, such as liver disease, later in life. In addition to that, since individuals may not realize they have been contaminated, they might spread the infection on the off chance that they come in close contact with your child. Hence, immunization is a safe, extremely effective method for eradicating that hazard immediately by shielding children from infection<a href="#accordion">[1]</a>. 
&nbsp;

At this stage, the child has developed a certain extent of immunity, and to strengthen the shield, they are provided with vaccines that guard them against 7 common and severe diseases. These include<a href="#accordion">[1][2][4]</a>:

&nbsp;

1. DTaP Vaccine

This is a medical acronym to merge 3 major vaccines:

&nbsp;

(a) Diphtheria: This disease starts as a mild sore throat infection, weakness, consistent fever, and swollen glands. If it perseveres, complications can result in uncontrollable swelling of the heart muscle, which leads to heart failure. It can also cause coma, paralysis, or death.

(b) Tetanus: It is caused by a particular bacterium that secretes toxins and increases muscle contractions and stiffness. Individuals can face difficulty in swallowing and experience pain in jaw movement. There is also abdominal pain to deal with. Complications include chronic fever, repeated bone fractures, difficulties in breathing, and death.

(c) Pertussis: This vaccine fights against pertussis or whooping cough. This illness is characterized by a chronic cough, consistent runny nose, and sleep apnea which is a breathing difficulty commonly observed in infants. Complications could lead to pneumonia or death.

&nbsp;

DTaP requires 5 doses which are managed over a wide age span from 2 months to 6 years old. 
&nbsp;

2. Haemophilus Influenzae Type B (Hib) Vaccine

This requires 4 doses that are received by the individual at different stages, starting from 2 months followed by two more shots at 4 months and 6 months respectively. The final dose is at 12-15 months. This vaccine is exceptionally important as it creates immunity against several infections that can be either life-threatening or life-altering such as severe ear infections, pneumonia, epiglottis, and meningitis. If infants have not received their dose and exhibit symptoms, then may need to undergo a spinal tap for confirmation of the presence of the bacterium.

&nbsp;

3. Polio Vaccine

This vaccine also requires 4 doses and is administered via oral drops. The first dose is given at 2 months which is succeeded by the second dose 2 months later. The penultimate dose is received between a span of 6-18 months and the final dose is when the toddler has reached 4 years of age. Polio is an extremely debilitating illness that causes paralysis and sometimes death. Pakistan has been striving rigorously to eradicate polio, which is why in Pakistan, the first dose is given at birth, while the rest of the doses follow a similar global timeline. 
&nbsp;

4. Pneumococcal (PCV13) Vaccine

The PCV13 vaccine follows a similar pathway where 4 four doses are well-distributed over the span of a year, the first year to be exact. The vaccine is imperative to build resistance against Streptococcus pneumonia, which causes respiratory infections and pneumonia. It can also affect the bloodstream causing sepsis or the covering around the brain and spinal cord that may trigger meningitis.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

5. Rotavirus (RV) Vaccine

Unlike other vaccines provided to children of similar age, the RV can be received through 2 or 3 doses, with the first dose at 2 months, the second at 4 months, and the last dose at 6 months. This is the focal preventive vaccine against diarrhea. The spread of the rotavirus can cause extreme abdominal pain, recurrent vomiting, watery diarrhea, and high-grade fever. In severe cases, it can lead to severe dehydration and ultimately death.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Influenza (flu) or the seasonal flu virus immunization is suggested for everybody, starting with those who are 6 months old. Whenever your kid gets first seasonal influenza immunization, they require the second dose a month after the initial dose. Managing symptoms of flu is seldom troublesome, but as common as the virus is, it has a debilitating effect on a person&rsquo;s strength and immune system. It can, therefore, send several healthy kids to the hospital. Seasonal infections change from one year to another; the evolving nature of the pathogen necessitates that everyone gets influenza shot every year. These annual influenza shots allow children to remain healthy and ward off any serious illness<a href="#accordion">[2]</a>. 
&nbsp;

1.&nbsp;Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) Vaccine

The MMR vaccine has been divided into 2 doses (12-15 months and 4-6 years). It is one of the most effective vaccines, offering life long immunity against the following targeted diseases<a href="#accordion">[2]</a>:&nbsp;

&nbsp;

(a) Measles: Measles is responsible for causing irritating rashes, high-grade fever, chronic cough, runny nose, and pink eye. If left unattended, it can cause complications, like encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), pneumonia (infection in the lungs), and even death.

(b) Mumps: This vaccine protects a toddler against mumps, a disease that is characterized by swollen salivary glands that are located under the jaw, fever, consistent headaches, muscle spasms, and fatigue.

(c) Rubella: Rubella is symptomatic with associated symptoms such as rashes, fevers, and swollen lymph nodes. They are more severe in women who are expecting and can increase the risk of miscarriages, stillbirth, premature delivery, and other birth defects.

&nbsp;

An infant&rsquo;s or a budding toddler&rsquo;s follow-up on their first birthday is important as it allows the doctor to schedule visits for the mentioned vaccines. 
&nbsp;

2. Varicella Vaccine

This vaccine can be regarded as the medical fraternity&rsquo;s safeguard against chickenpox. The virus is prevented from infecting the body after the individual receives 2 doses duly, the first is when the child is 12-15 months old and the next dose is between the ages of&nbsp; 4-6<a href="#accordion">[1]</a>. 
&nbsp;

3. Hepatitis A Vaccine

Hepatitis A vaccine can provide an individual with immunity from serious and complicated infections. This vaccine is divided into 2 doses as well, the first shot scheduled at 12 months of age and the second dose is administered 6 months later<a href="#accordion">[4]</a>. Hepatitis A can cause jaundice during which the skin appears to be yellow and other symptoms include stomach pain, shrinking appetite, and fatigue. The infection can further lead to liver failure, arthralgia (joint pain), and kidney, pancreatic, and blood disorders. 
&nbsp;

The COVID-19 pandemic brought with it unprecedented challenges, defying the universal rules of medicine. The new vaccine offered protection to an unmeasurable extent for those who were unable to handle the severity of the virus.

&nbsp;

However, recent strains such as Delta, Omni, etc., have proven to be quite powerful and can weaken the state of the immune system regardless of the type of vaccine. Therefore, it&rsquo;s recommended that people take an extra dose or booster shots following the initial course of that vaccine.

&nbsp;

Anyone who has completed the dual round of vaccine shots of Pfizer or Moderna, and is above the age of 12, is eligible for a booster shot after every 6 months<a href="#accordion">[3]</a>.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Conclusion

Vaccines are powerful synthetic defense mechanisms, developed solely to prevent individuals from contracting life-threatening or debilitating infections. Vaccines protect those who receive them. If the majority of the individuals in a community get vaccinated, then it effectively reduces the chance of the virus spreading amongst those who can&rsquo;t receive vaccines. This concept is called herd immunity.

&nbsp;

If anyone has any doubts, then they should immediately refer to a doctor and ask them questions to get authentic information. Because a delay in prevention would only cause an individual to inch closer to a diagnosis.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Trusted By