Vaccination Schedule

An infection happens when a “microorganism” (a living thing so small that we can’t see them individually) begins to grow and multiply in the body. We all have millions of microorganisms on and in our bodies. There are many bacteria on our skin, and even more in our intestines and mouths. These bacteria are not only fairly harmless but actually help you out.

However, there are many bacteria that will make you sick. In other cases, normally harmless or helpful bacteria may overgrow or invade parts of the body where they aren’t supposed to be. There are also viruses, particles that cannot live by themselves but which can invade your body’s cells and make them produce more virus particles.

Vaccines are given at an early age because the diseases they prevent can strike at an early age. Some diseases are far more serious or common among infants or young children. For example, up to 60% of severe disease caused by Haemophilus influenzae type b occurs in children under 12 months of age.

The age at which a particular vaccine is given to your child also depends upon the geographical area and that county’s health care policy, and this will in turn depend on the prevalence of a particular disease in that area/country.

They can continue the series where they left off. Vaccinations are not rendered invalid and do not have to be repeated when there is a longer-than-recommended interval between doses in a series.

They are very safe. But like any medicine, they are not perfect. They can cause reactions. Usually these are mild, like a sore arm or slight fever. Serious reactions are very uncommon. Your health-care provider will discuss the risks with you before your child gets each vaccine.

The important thing to remember is that vaccines are much safer than the diseases they prevent.

Vaccines work most of the time, but not always. Most childhood vaccinations work between 90% and 100% of the time. Sometimes, though, a child may not respond to certain vaccines, for reasons that aren’t entirely understood.

One of two things could happen:

• If your child goes through life without ever being exposed to any of these diseases, nothing will happen.
• If your child is exposed to one of these diseases, there is a good chance he will get it. Most likely he would get ill, but could also get very sick and have to go to the hospital, or even die. In addition, he could spread the disease to others who are not immune.