Pay Attention to the Baby Immunization Schedule, Don't Be Late!
Baby immunization is an effort to provide antigen materials aimed at providing adaptive immunity to the human body. The presence of a child is a very joyful thing for all parents, and that is why parents will always strive to provide the best for the growth and development of their baby. One thing that cannot be overlooked in monitoring the growth and development of a baby is the baby immunization schedule.
The baby immunization schedule is very important for the continuity of the baby's health. And never forget this schedule because the growth and development of your baby will be greatly determined by the immunizations in the first months of their growth. The following is more complete information about baby immunization for you.
Understanding Immunization for Babies
Before discussing further about the baby immunization schedule, it seems that you should first recall the definition of immunization and the importance of providing this immunization for babies and children.
So, if we look at the definition, immunization can be defined as an effort to provide antigen materials aimed at providing adaptive immunity to the human body. This immunity is directed against biological agents that can cause disease. Well, because it aims to form body immunity, the baby immunization schedule and also the children's immunization schedule become very important to carry out.
This immunization is basically safe to be given to babies and children, but it can cause some side effects. However, the temporary side effects will be insignificant compared to the immunity that babies and children will have as they grow.
The most common side effects from immunization are mild fever symptoms in babies or children, then redness at the injection site, and they may also experience allergy symptoms. However, as parents, you do not need to worry because generally these side effects can go away on their own.
The vaccines given during the immunization process will not burden the immune system that your baby or child has. This is because, basically, the immune system that every baby already has can fight thousands of germs that exist every day, and the vaccine will only be a small part of those germs.
The most important emphasis is to ensure your baby's health before carrying out the immunization process and to recognize which types of vaccines may cause allergies in your baby or child.
The Importance of the Baby Immunization Schedule
As mentioned earlier, due to the importance of immunization, the baby immunization schedule and also the children's immunization schedule become very important to carry out. However, it should be noted that, basically, basic immunizations must be fulfilled for children aged 1-4 years.
Now, it is time to discuss the baby immunization schedule. As we know, babies who receive immunization are generally those aged from 0 to 9 months. And at each immunization, different medicines or vaccines will be given depending on the age of the baby in months.
Age 0 months
The first baby immunization schedule that must be given is when the baby is 0 months old. Generally, 0 months here means the administration of the vaccine given to the baby within 12 hours after the baby is born. The vaccine given to a 0-month-old baby is the HB (Hepatitis B) monovalent vaccine.
In the process of administration, it is usually preceded by an injection of vitamin K1 at least 30 minutes before the HB monovalent vaccine is given.
Age 2 Months
Then the second baby immunization schedule is the administration of immunization when the baby reaches 2 months of age. At this age, a baby will receive immunization with several types of vaccines. Among them are the DPT vaccine/HB vaccine/HIB-1 vaccine, and also the Polio-1 vaccine.
The DPT vaccine itself is given to babies at the earliest age of 6 weeks. The type of DTP given can be either DTP-a or DTP-w vaccine.
Age 3 Months
The third baby immunization schedule is when the baby reaches 3 months of age. At this age, the baby will also be given several types of vaccines that are useful for their immune system. Some of these vaccines are the DPT vaccine/HB vaccine/Hib-2 vaccine, and also the Polio-2 vaccine.
Age 4 Months
Then, at the age of 4 months, the baby immunization schedule is also carried out again. At this age, there are still several types of vaccines given to the baby. These vaccines include DPT/HB vaccine/Hib-3 vaccine, and Polio-3 vaccine.
Age 9 Months
And the last immunization schedule for the baby is when the baby reaches 9 months of age. At this age, the baby will be given a special measles vaccine. If your baby has received this measles vaccine at 9 months, then at 15 months your baby will receive another vaccine in the form of the MMR/MR vaccine.
Understanding the Importance of Adhering to the Baby Immunization Schedule
By adhering to the baby immunization schedule, the vaccines that will be given during immunization according to that schedule will help your baby to protect them from serious diseases that can attack their immune system.
And also when the vaccines and baby immunization schedules are given on time, your baby can develop their immune system better before they can be exposed to disease viruses. Moreover, during infancy, it is a crucial early stage of a child's growth and development, and as much as possible, the best should be provided to guide their growth into childhood.
However, what happens if the baby immunization schedule is not adhered to? Or is delayed? In fact, when the administration of vaccines to your baby is slightly delayed from the schedule, it will not reduce the effectiveness of those vaccines in helping to form your child's immune system.
However, during the period of the delayed baby immunization schedule, the antibodies that your child has to fight various types of diseases may weaken. As a result, it is not impossible that your baby will be more vulnerable and more susceptible to disease. Of course, you do not want this to happen, right?
If the baby immunization schedule has already been delayed, you as a parent do not need to start giving vaccines from the beginning. It is enough to provide the follow-up immunization according to the schedule and your child's age. Consult this first with your healthcare provider or pediatrician.
Even so, make sure not to be late in providing vaccines and immunizations for your child! Because of the importance of the role of immunization that can protect children from various dangers of diseases, both mild and severe in the future. Therefore, always pay attention to the baby immunization schedule and also your child's immunization schedule!
