Vaccination plays a crucial role in protecting both the individual and future generations from serious diseases. From birth through pregnancy, certain vaccines are considered essential to build immunity at different life stages.
Pregnancy brings changes in a woman's body that can increase the risk of certain infections for both the mother and her unborn baby. While the human body has natural ways to fight infection, vaccines act as a training system for building the immune system. It enables the body to identify harmful germs and develop protection against them without causing the disease itself.
After birth, newborns are usually given vaccines to fight the following conditions:
Hepatitis B: The first dose is recommended within 24 hours of birth, followed by either two or three doses. The vaccine is also recommended for premature infants and people with poor immune function, such as those with HIV/AIDS.
Tuberculosis: BCG vaccine is administered for the prevention of tuberculosis. It is usually given within the first few days after birth, but it can still be given up to 1 year of age.
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Polio: The vaccine for polio is given in different age categories during childhood. It is usually given as an oral polio vaccine and an inactivated polio vaccine. The oral polio vaccine is given as drops by mouth using a weakened virus, while the inactivated polio vaccine is given by injection using a killed virus, and both protect against polio.
Rotavirus infection: It is the leading cause of severe diarrhoea among young children. The vaccine is given at the start of 6 weeks of age and completed by 14 weeks. and DTP helps to shield babies from serious infection when their immune system is still developing. As children grow, additional vaccines like measles, mumps, rubella and booster doses of earlier vaccines continue to strengthen immunity and prevent the spread of diseases.
For adults, routine vaccinations help preserve immunity and lower the chances of illness, particularly for those who have a hectic lifestyle or an existing health condition. Vaccination not only protects the individual who is receiving it, but also improves herd immunity.
Why are vaccines important during pregnancy?
Vaccination is equally important during pregnancy as it protects both the mother and the baby. Certain vaccines are usually recommended during pregnancy.
Vaccines like tetanus toxoid, influenza, and the Tdap vaccine not only keep the mother safe but also provide protective antibodies to the babies. Vaccination is a powerful tool in modern medicine that protects people, keeps the community safe, and helps to ensure a healthier life.
