Newborn Vaccines and Why Your Baby Needs Them

Vaccinations. They are a fact of newborn life that more and more parents are choosing to forgo. Before you make that decision, you should research the benefits they can bring. While some of the diseases your child is vaccinated for may not be in outbreak, the most certainly do still exist. If you think the side effects are reason enough to skip them, think again. The side effects are extremely rare and when put into comparison with the risks involved with not getting the vaccinations and contracting one of the diseases, the benefits far outweigh the risks. I personally was a vaccinated child. My sister and myself both have made the choice to vaccinate our children as they come about. That is why i am here to stress the importance of vaccinations.

Many parents have trouble putting their baby through any unnecessary pain, but that pain is nothing compared to what they would likely experience if they contracted any of the diseases. If you are concerned about hurting your baby, ask your doctor about topical anesthetics applied before vaccines are administered and about appropriate doses of infant Tylenol to ease pain after wards.

There are several vaccinations that are very important and some others that it may be okay to skip. Many are required before your child will be allowed to enter a public or private school system, as well as college, summer camps, and more. There are six main vaccinations that a child should receive, They include Hepatitis B, the DTaP, Hib, MMR, Varivax, and Rotovirus. Hepatitis B can be contracted in several ways including unprotected sex, needle sharing, and even a blood transfusion. This disease affects the liver and its functions. The DTaP or Diptheria, tetanus, and Pertussis vaccine wards against the respiratory infection known as Diptheria, a disease that attacks the central nervous system known as tetanus or Lockjaw, and a harsh form of cough known as Pertussis or the whooping couch which can lead to Pneumonia or even death. the Hip is used to fight the Haemophilus Influenza Type B virus which can cause Bacterial Meningitis, Epiglottitis, and Pneumonia. The MMR is used to prevent the rash known as the Measles, swollen lymph glands known as the Mumps, and Rubella, commonly known as the German Measles. All three of these can cause fever, infections, and if not properly treated can be fatal. this vaccine contains traces of egg, so your doctor should be notified if your child has an egg allergy so that they may be monitored after the MMR is administered. Varivax is used to vaccinate against Varicella, commonly known as the Chicken Pox. What starts out as an itchy rash can turn into skin infections, Pneumonia, and Encephalitis if left untreated. All of these conditions are almost 100% avoidable in a vaccinated child. the Rotavirus vaccine is used to prevent the highly contagious Rotavirus virus. it is more common in the winter season and can cause fever, vomiting, and diarrhea.

There are three less necessary but helpful vaccinations including IPV, PCV, and Influenza. PCV and Influenza are more called for in a child with a weakened immune system due to a disease such as Diabetes or Sickle Cell Anemia. IPV is used to protect against the Polio virus. while the disease is no current threat, one single case from abroad could lead to an outbreak. Polio attacks the central nervous system, causing paralysis and even death. PCV or Pneumoccal Conjugate is used to protect against Bacterial Meningitis, pneumonia, and and infection of the blood known as Bacteriamia. It is also useful in the prevention of Chronic Ear Infections. Routine use of this vaccine has drastically reduced the occurrence of Earaches and the need for tubes in the ears. The Influenza or Flu Shot is given to protect against and lessen the effects of the Common Flu. This vaccine can be given as early as 6 months and should be given once every year. Like the MMR it contains a trace of egg, so you should notify your doctor of an egg allergy to allow proper observation for reaction to the vaccine.

With all of these common vaccines recommended by pediatricians, the benefits by far outweigh the risks. Your child should always be vaccinated to be assured of their health and safety, as well as that of the children and others around them.