You should consider vaccinations before your child attends school. This is excellent preventive medicine as theoretically the occurrence of infection becomes so low that the disease is completely eradicated. As memories fade of terrible outbreaks in the 50-60's, recent studies indicate that parents are becoming more relaxed regarding immunization.
In 1989, {pertussis} (whooping cough) struck over 3,700 American children, more than twice the number of the early 80's. The reported cases are acknowledged to be only a small fraction of the actual case load. Remarkably, over 1:5 American 2 year-olds now go unprotected against either {polio}, {measles}, {rubella} or {mumps}. The following vaccinations are suggested before the age of 5yrs:
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{diphtheria}
{pertussis} (whooping cough)
{tetanus}
{poliomyelitis} (polio)
{measles}, {mumps}, {rubella} (MMR)
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The vaccines are commonly grouped together as follows:
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DPT, or triple vaccine (diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus)
MMR, or combined vaccine (measles, mumps, rubella)
poliomyelitis (polio)
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DPT (1st 3) are given at 2mths, 3mths & 4mths. {Poliomyelitis} is given by mouth on a sugar lump. Baby must be fit & well before vaccination & should have a prior examination by a doctor. Immunity can be induced, either actively or passively, against a variety of bacterial & viral organisms. Examples of active immunity include:
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{poliomyelitis}
{measles}
{rubella}
BCG (anti-tuberculous)
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Examples of inactive immunity include:
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{whooping cough}
{typhoid}
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Vaccine works by stimulating the body's defences to manufacture antibodies (which fight infection). The 1st injection produces a small response.
Additional injections lead to an accelerated response. Following a full course, the antibody level remains high for a few months or years. A booster dose will raise the antibody level rapidly. Active vaccine (e.g. {measles}, {mumps}, {rubella}) provide long-lasting response after a single dose. Remember, oral or written consent must be given before each injection.
!b! NO CHILD SHOULD BE DENIED IMMUNIZATION WITHOUT SERIOUS THOUGHT TO THE CONSEQUENCES, BOTH FOR INDIVIDUAL CHILD & THE COMMUNITY. IF THERE IS ANY DOUBT, ADVICE SHOULD BE SOUGHT FROM A CONSULTANT PEDIATRICIAN.
None !n! of the following conditions should influence your decision regarding vaccination:
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{asthma}, {eczema}, hay fever or snuffles
treatment with locally acting {steroids} /{antibiotics}
{homeopathy} !i! (the council of homeopathy strongly supports vaccination)
!n! allergy
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Certain vaccine should not be given, but this will depend on specific circumstances. For example, oral {poliomyelitis} vaccine should NOT be given to brothers, sisters or household contacts of immuno-suppressed children (inactive poliomyelitis vaccine should be given).
The whooping cough vaccine has caused more controversy than any others. There is unsubstantiated evidence that the vaccine may cause brain damage. There are a few considerations with whooping cough immunization such as acute illness (postpone vaccination), or if severe local, or general reaction to a previous dose (delay vaccination until stable).
In children with problem histories, the advantages of protection against {whooping cough} must be carefully weighed against the consequences of no protection. If in doubt seek the advice of a consultant {pediatrician}. Some examples follow:
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documented history of {cerebral} damage at birth
personal history of convulsions
parents, brothers, or sisters with idiopathic epilepsy (this condition may arise irrespective of vaccination)
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All vaccinations, except oral {poliomyelitis} are given by injection, either into the {muscle} or deep under the skin. Sometimes the baby may have a high temperature lasting 24hrs, or a raised red swelling at the site of injection. Tepid sponging may help, but if in doubt seek the advice of a {pediatrician}.
The following schedule is a general guide to vaccinations. However, it is important to consult your pediatrician for the best schedule for your child.
