How to Properly Immunize Your Child

Immunizations are a vital part of childcare. Immunizing a child is one of the greatest gifts a parent can give to their offspring, a gift that ensures that your child won't succumb to childhood diseases that used to carry a high mortality rate. However, because of such immunizations that occurred during the 1950's and 1960's, many of these common diseases disappeared for years, especially in the United States. Because of this, many new parents are neglecting to immunize their children, and diseases we haven't seen for years, sometimes decades, are making a comeback.

While many new parents fear the side effects that occasionally accompany immunizations, the results of contracting childhood diseases are much more devastating. Guidelines for the correct immunization of children are available from any doctor or community health office in your area, and should not be ignored. Knowing how and when to immunize your child is vital for their health and well-being. Some common childhood diseases that are preventable, and which immunizations are available for, are:

Hepatitis B - 3 series: Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver. This condition can affect babies who acquire it from infected mothers during the birth process. Since Hepatitis B can cause chronic liver disease pediatricians advise that children receive three shots during their first year.

Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (Whooping Cough) - also known as DPT - 6 series: Diphtheria is a bacterial infection that is prevalent where hygiene is poor and is rare in the United States, only because of adequate immunization. Pertussis, or whooping cough, is also a contagious bacterial infection that causes mucous buildup, as well as narrowing and inflammation of the airways. This disease can cause brain and lung damage unless properly treated. Tetanus is also a bacterial infection that causes damage to brain and nerve cells.

Haemophilus influenzae Type b - 4 series: Infants are particularly vulnerable to this flu virus, which can produce ear infections and meningitis. When administered properly, it offers a near 100% protection rate.

Inactivated Poliovirus - 4 series: Polio in the United States was nearly eradicated, but it is making a comeback due to the failure of many parents to immunize children against this disease which is caused by a viral infection of the brain and spinal cord.

Measles, Mumps, Rubella - also known as MMR - 2 series and a booster: Mumps is a virus that causes the salivary glands to swell and are common among small children. Rubella, also known as German measles, is a mild viral infection that can be mistaken for a common cold. In some, glands become swollen and a rash appears on the skin. Measles is a highly contagious virus that causes coughing, fever and rash.

Pneumococcal - 4 series: This bacteria causes serious lung and blood infections, as well as infection of the covering of the brain and spinal column, when it becomes known as spinal meningitis. It's caused by a bacterial infection in ears and sinuses. Before the year 2000, when the PCV7 vaccine was approved and licensed, roughly 200 children under the age of five died each year because of this disease.

Knowing when and how to immunize your child may protect them from the common childhood diseases that used to take the lives of thousands of children every year. Below, you will find a general guideline that tells you how often your child needs to be immunized. For specific instructions that are catered to the needs of your child, seek the advice of a pediatrician or your family physician.

At birth: Children should be vaccinated against Hepatitis B.

One Month to Four Months: Children should be given the second series of Hepatitis B, their first series of DPT, Influenza Type b and their first series of Poliovirus and Pneumococcal.

Four Months: Children should be given their second series of DPT, Influenza Type b, Poliovirus and Pneumococcal.

Six Months: Children should be given their third series of Hepatitis B and DPT, as well as Influenza Type b, Poliovirus and Pneumococcal.

Twelve Months: Children should be given their fourth series of Influenza Type b, and their first series of MMR, and their fourth series of Pneumococcal.

Fifteen Months: Children should be given their fourth series of DPT.

These guidelines aren't absolute, as for example; the third series of the Hepatitis B vaccine can be given from a child's sixth month through their eighteenth. Likewise, the third series of the Poliovirus vaccine can be given from the sixth month to the eighteenth as well. Always check with your pediatrician to keep track of when immunizations are due, and let them schedule accordingly. Still, it's a good idea to know the general age range that your child should be due for any particular immunization.