What Immunizations Do I Need to Care for a Baby
In the part one, we have looked at what immunization is and the available vaccines. If you have not read that, I will encourage you to practise so. Immunization saves lives and prevent millions of deaths every yr. In this Office 2, I will accost the common questions Mums have asked about immunizations.
This is very important as many mums despite knowing the importance of immunizations have decided not to accept their children immunized based on some incorrect perception about immunizations which I hope we will exist able to address. Others because of previous personal or heard-of bad feel afterward a child was immunized have promised themselves non to take anything to exercise with Immunization; depriving themselves of the numerous benefits of immunization. I hope that if you fall in that category, you will alter your listen. Here are real questions Mums have asked and unproblematic straightforward answers to them.
Question: Pls on immunization, why exercise the private hospitals in Nigeria give more than the government centers/hospitals?
This is a very good and of import question. In that location are many vaccines that are bachelor to forbid certain diseases in childhood as I listed in Part 1. However, in Nigeria, not all these vaccines are included in the Nigerian National Programme on Immunization (NPI). The NPI vaccines are provided free by the Authorities. However, at that place are other vaccines which are as well very of import and available in the country in the some private hospital and fifty-fifty some Government Hospitals and centres just at a cost.
The NPI vaccines and their schedule are as follows:
⦁ At nascency……BCG, OPV, HBV
⦁ vi weeks…..Penta, OPV
⦁ 10 weeks…Penta; OPV
⦁ 14 weeks…Penta, OPV
⦁ 9 months…Measles, xanthous fever
⦁ Vitamin A recommended every 6 months from age six months to 5years
NB: Penta vaccine is Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus, Hepatitis B and Haemophilus influenza blazon B (HiB) vaccines (5 in 1) in one shot (already pre-formulated).
Non-NPI vaccines are:
- Mumps,Measles and Rubella (MMR) Vaccine
- Varicella (Craven pox) vaccine
- Hepatitis A vaccine
- Human Papillomavirus vaccine
There are different schedules for the not-NPI vaccines depending on the Centre. The nigh mutual/popular schedules for the NPI vaccines are;
- MMR – First dose at 12 – 15 months; 2d dose at iv – six years
- Varicella vaccine – usually from age 2 years
- Man Papillomavirus vaccine – given from age nine years to both boys and girls.
Question: My infant is fifteen months old and she was immunized according to the NPI schedules, stopped at 9 months. Tin she still collect the other vaccines remaining for her immunization to be complete, thanks?
Related Question: I saw that these are not in NPI: PCV, Rotavirus vaccine, MMR, Meningoccocal, chicken pox vaccine. My son is 29 months. Which one of them tin can he is still get for? And where can I get them in Lagos?
The issue of completing missed immunizations or what is technically referred to every bit "Grab-up immunizations" is very important. This is because it is not just a straight forward answer of merely taking whatever you take missed! The number of doses of a vaccine that will be taken varies depending on the vaccine(southward) that was/were missed; also every bit the age of the child as at the time the missed vaccines is/are virtually to be administered.
The all-time bet is to ask your Paediatrician what and how many doses and the intervals for taking the missed vaccines. Since the Non-NPI vaccines are normally the ones most Nigerian mums are concerned about when it comes to take hold of-up, I volition state the general guidelines every bit regards catch-upwards immunizations for not-NPI vaccines.
Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine.
Minimum historic period: 12 months for routine vaccination. two-dose series of MMR vaccine at ages 12 – 15 months and 4 – 6 years. The second dose may be administered earlier historic period 4 years, provided at least 4 weeks take elapsed since the first dose. All school-aged children and adolescents accept had 2 doses of MMR vaccine; the minimum interval between the 2 doses is 4 weeks
Varicella (VAR) vaccine
Minimum historic period: 12 months; routine vaccination: 2-dose serial of VAR vaccine at ages 12 – fifteen months and 4 -6 years. The second dose may be administered before age four years, provided at least 3 months have elapsed since the offset dose. If the second dose was administered at to the lowest degree 4 weeks subsequently the offset dose, it tin can be accepted as valid. All persons aged 7 – eighteen years without evidence of immunity have ii doses of varicella vaccine. For children aged seven – 12 years, the recommended minimum interval between doses is 3 months (if the 2nd dose was administered at least iv weeks after the starting time dose, it can be accepted as valid); for persons aged thirteen years and older, the minimum interval betwixt doses is 4 weeks.
Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines.
Minimum age: nine years for HPV2 [Cervarix] and HPV4 [Gardasil]). Routine vaccination: 3-dose series of HPV vaccine are administered on a schedule of 0, i-2, and vi months to all adolescents aged 11 through 12 years. Either HPV4 or HPV2 may be used for females, and only HPV4 may be used for males. The vaccine series may exist started at age nine years. Administer the vaccine series to females (either HPV2 or HPV4) and males (HPV4) at age 13 through xviii years if not previously vaccinated (same every bit routine).
Question: my infant was given the 6wks immunization today. But since nosotros got dorsum he has been crying profusely I have given him paracetamol, what else should I do?
The vi, 10 and fourteen weeks shot's primary side effect is fever. Yous tin can give the paracetamol every 6 hours for two -three days. Yet, make certain you lot are given the right dose based on your baby'south weight. From experience, most mums who got immunization at wellness centres commonly merely give i size fit all dose of paracetamol which is often non the adequate dose for their babies afterward the immunization. This also contributes to the persistence of the fever. To be sure of the correct dose, ask your medico or pharmacist.
Question: Afterward the 6 week shot, I observed the injection site is swollen and scarlet. My baby cries someday his leg is touched what can I exercise?
The DPT or Penta injection is usually given deep into the muscles. One of the side effects is bloated/cherry-red injection site due to some mild bleeding into the musculus. It needs to be properly managed so it does not become infected and turn into an abscess. The unproblematic treatment is to utilize ice pack or small piece of ice cake wrapped in handkerchief on it intermittently for the starting time 2 -3 days. It will go downwardly. Also avoid too much treatment of the afflicted limb every bit the site is usually sore. It should resolve in two – iii days only if information technology persists and/or get bigger and soft with pus inside – that is an abscess, pls go dorsum to the Hospital or Health Eye exercise it can be drained and additional treatment including antibiotics will be given.
Question: Is Vitamin A also an immunization?
Related:I think I gave my 1yr 3mth old overdose of Vit A immunization that is I took it 2mths autonomously. Any negative effects?
Vitamin A Supplementation is not technically immunization even though it has been incorporated into the NPI. It aims to prevent Vitamin A deficiency in the children. Vitamin A deficiency is the single near -preventable crusade of blindness.
It is usually given every 6 months till age 5 years. This is because Vitamin A tin can be stored in the torso and ane dose can last that long – up to six months before another dose is needed. As well, many everyday food similar flour, carbohydrate, butter are also now fortified with Vitamin A.
As regards the second part of the question; I say Practise NOT PANIC! Mistakes tin happen. It is very unlikely for your infant to take whatsoever serious effects. So relax. All the same Vitamin A is i of the fat soluble vitamins which get stored in the trunk dissimilar the B and C Vitamins which are removed from the body in the urine when in excess. Vitamin A when likewise much in the trunk can cause serious symptoms like headache, vomiting from what we telephone call in medical jargon Hypervitaminosis. I seriously incertitude that the doses over ii months given, though should be 6 months apart, will take accumulated to cause serious side effects. So skip the next dose. If y'all detect, any strange symptoms though, see your Paediatrician.
Question: Please is hepatitis A vaccine very important? Because I was told if I have given Hepatitis B I actually don't the Hepatitis A vaccine for my baby. She is 18 months 3 weeks.
Hepatitis B vaccine prevents Hepatitis B virus infections otherwise chosen HBV. HBV tin cause serious liver problems including cancer in future if i is infected. Hepatitis A vaccine prevents Hepatitis A virus infection which is not something very serious and doesn't have long-term complications. Hep A vaccine is not as compulsory as HBV is very compulsory for children. Taking one of them doesn't do the job of the other.
The best fashion to prevent hepatitis A is through vaccination with the hepatitis A vaccine. Vaccination is recommended for all children historic period 12 months and older, for travelers to certain countries, and for people at high hazard for infection with the virus. The hepatitis A vaccine is given as two shots, vi months apart. The hepatitis A vaccine as well comes in a combination class, containing both hepatitis A and B vaccine, that tin be given to persons 18 years of age and older. This form is given equally three shots, over a period of six months or as iii shots over ane calendar month and a booster shot at 12 months. FOR CHILDREN The first dose should be given at 12-23 months of historic period. Children who are not vaccinated by ii years of age can be vaccinated at later visits.
Question: My babe has fever with the half dozen weeks immunization. Am I supposed to administer paracetamol before going for next immunization (10weeks). When should I showtime and the dosage?
The paracetamol should be given immediately Afterwards the immunization especially if south/he develops a fever. Sometimes, with subsequent vaccination, the kid may not have a fever at all, in that location volition exist no need to requite the paracetamol. So give one dose first AFTER the vaccination and if no subsequent fever, yous tin can cease.
The dose of the Paracetamol depends on what the baby'due south weight. If you're not sure what to give and can not get a dr. or pharmacist to tell you, requite co-ordinate to the dosage recommendation on the paracetamol bottle or pack. Don't worry though, the second and third vaccinations of DPT are normally not every bit stressful to the baby as the first 1 but you all the same need to take aforementioned precautions.
My 34 months old daughter was given the BCG vaccine some days after she was born. but the issue is that the blister never showed. I know i felt a difficult lump at the signal it was given some weeks after, simply the lump dissolved and so she doesn't accept the scar that many babies have. is this normal?
Related : My son'due south BCG scar was bringing out pores I complained to d doc and he said its normal…later information technology dried up and was OK….is that actually normal?
BCG immunization is commonly associated with germination of what is chosen a BCG scar ordinarily afterward 6 weeks. The BCG scar is usually inspected and the formation of the scar is one evidence of the successful immunization. Recall from Office one the difference betwixt Vaccination and Immunization?
Nonetheless, sometimes some babies do not take BCG scar subsequently half-dozen weeks. In that location are different possibilities. It could exist that the BCG is given too deep into the muscle instead of into the peel. It is also possible to be immunized without the BCG scar. To confirm if the child has developed amnesty despite no BCG scar, a mantoux exam volition be done. If in that location is a level of reaction expected for someone who has had BCG, then the mum is just reassured. If there is no reaction later on 72 hours, the child will have to exist vaccinated again with the BCG vaccine once again as long equally child is healthy and has not nonetheless adult Tuberculosis (a normal Chest Xray may be needed at times).
Yep, it is possible for the BCG immunization site to develop an abscess which may belch pus. It will somewhen heal and course a scar. If you are non sure what to do, please see your paediatrician.
Question: Why are immunization shots in Nigeria generally painful for the children? Does it have anything to do with the needle?
Immunization shots are by and large painful anywhere in the globe. However, in some places fifty-fifty in Nigeria a cream to make it less painful chosen EMLA cream can be practical.
Question: Why do the healthcare workers tell you lot to give paracetamol before the shot?
Nosotros practise not administer Paracetamol Before but AFTER the shot. Information technology has to do with reducing fever associated with some vaccines side effects particularly the PENTA or DPT. We don't have to give paracetamol to the children for every immunization. Many don't know this particularly at our health centres hence their practice of giving Paracetamol at all immunizations, not necessary or compulsory. It should be Afterward not Before the vaccine is administered.
Question: Why is panda specifically recommended? Does it accept a component the likes of calpol and other pcms don't have? I am asking from personal experience where you are told to give pcm, I gave 5ml of calpol to my almost 7weeks quondam baby after the DPT shot but the fever didn't break till I gave him panda
Really??? NO 1 EVER SAID IT MUST BE PANDA! Any brand of Paracetamol is acceptable!
PANDA, CALPOL,TYENOL, PANADOL, ACETAMINOPHEN ETC are all PARACETAMOL!!!
Your experience must take been a coincidence unless the Calpol is fake (anything is possible in Nigeria) and your 7 weeks should not be taking 5ml paracetamol……Next fourth dimension go your doctor or Paediatrician to piece of work out the dose based on your son's weight. Every bit aware mum too, delight read instructions on the bottle or the insert almost a medication before y'all administer it. Yous demand to know the constituents, dose, side furnishings etc and if the instruction given by your health worker contradicts that of the leaflet, seek clarification. Make sure y'all get reasonable explanation for any divergence before you accept it. This is important!!! That is why Female pedagogy is very important….it is one of the child survival strategies.
Question: Is it possible for an awareness to be created well-nigh the others not in the NPI?
We are trying to do that as Paediatricians and we are fifty-fifty taking it a step further to get the Govt to approve and include all the currently non-NPI ones in the NPI….the PENTA is one of the success stories that now include HiB. HBV too was non role of NPI until 2004. Already works are on-going on including the Pneumococcal vaccine….so rest assured we will get there.
Question: Pls ma, enlighten me on the Rotavirus and Pneumococcal congate vaccine (PCV). My 8months old son took 1 dosage @6wks and yet to complete the others. Any consequencies for non taking the remaining doses of the vaccines? Reason for not completing is the cost interest.
I quite sympathise the challenge of taking the Non-NPI vaccines every bit they are very expensive.
As regards the Rotavirus vaccine, since your baby is already 8 months, he does not authorize once more for Rotarix. Information technology protects against Rotavirus infection which usually is the most common cause of diarrhoea and vomitting in infants. The peak onset of Rotavirus infection is historic period six -11months. Your child may have diarrhoea from Rotavirus infection or other micro-organisms but information technology can be managed.
The PCV is however more than important considering Pneumonia can still affect children even up to age v years and is one of the greatest crusade of deaths of children in this age group. Try and see if you can still take the remaining PCV doses.
Question: Please how exercise one handle an immunization on a fourteen weeks one-time baby that is not dissolving. Information technology is hard and strong as if it wants to turn to abcess. I am then heartbroken when he cries as a result of the water ice cake we are using to dissolve the hardness
There is no demand to do anything except go on applying the ice-pack if it is still painful otherwise just leave information technology solitary. It is the bleeding into the musculus and it will resolve on its own as the body reabsorb the bleed.
Question: My son is 25 months already so I guess the rotavirus is out of it. But which one is for preventing mumps? Heard it is taken when the kid starts to talk so information technology doesn't impede his speech.
The vaccine for preventing Mumps is the MMR. It is given at 12 – 15 months with a booster dose at 4 – 6 years. Information technology however has nothing to do with speech evolution in children.
Thanks for reading and I hope you did find answers to your worries and concerns near immunizations. Even so, should you still take questions or concerns which I have non addressed, you lot tin can ask via comments or email them to me at askthepaediatricians@gmail.com. I love reading and answering your questions and comments.
The Paediatrician – your online Paediatrician
Source: https://askthepaediatricians.com/2015/08/childhood-immunizations-questions-and-answers-2/
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