In this article, we have provided you with useful information on the types of vaccines for your child and their usefulness. Ensure that you fulfill your responsibility of vaccinating your child so that they can grow up to be healthy individuals.
Important Vaccines to help keep your baby healthy
Having a newborn comes with a lot of parental responsibilities. One of the most important responsibilities is ensuring your baby is adequately vaccinated.
A baby’s system is considered fragile and susceptible to illnesses. That is why there is the mandatory practice of taking your child to get vaccinated at the hospital.
This doesn’t just help prevent them from falling sick as babies but boosts their immune system, which serves the good purpose of keeping them healthy as they grow up.
Is vaccination of babies a Universal practice?
Yes, it is. As earlier said, babies’ systems are considered fragile, and as such, all things must be done to keep them healthy. Also, the type of vaccines given to babies is usually similar worldwide.
Children’s Vaccination in Thailand
Thailand, like any other country, provides for the vaccination of newborns. All children are to be vaccinated per the Thailand Immunization Plan.
We have prepared a list of some of the vaccinations available in Thailand and their use. They include:
- BCG vaccine (BCG): This newborn vaccine must be given within 24 hours after the birth. It helps prevent tuberculosis.
- Hepatitis B vaccine (HBV): This vaccine is divided into three doses, taken separately. The first dosage is at birth, the second at one month old and the last at six months old. This helps protect your baby from cancers caused by the HPV Virus.
- The Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (DTP): This vaccine is a triple-drug treatment that helps prevent three infectious diseases: Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis.
It has three doses, each taken at two months, four months old, and six months old.
Two booster doses are taken at 18 months old and four years old. - Rota vaccine: This vaccine is to help prevent diarrhea. It is recommended to be taken when the child is two months old and older.
- Polio Vaccine (IPV/OPV): This vaccine is to prevent poliomyelitis. Polio, if in the system, may damage the spinal cord and other nervous systems. There are two types of polio vaccines which are: the IPV (injection) and OPV (oral).
The vaccine is received a total of 3 times, which are at two months old, four months old, and six months old. - Measles-Rubella – Mumps (MMR) Vaccine: This vaccine is to protect a baby against Measles, mumps, and rubella. The first dose should be injected at 9-12 months and another booster shot at 4-6 years of age.
- Encephalitis (JE) vaccine: This helps protect children against Encephalitis. Encephalitis is transmitted by animals and insects carrying the disease. The vaccine is given in two doses, at 9-18 months and four weeks later.
There is also a booster dose given at 2 or 2 and a half years old.
In addition to the vaccines mentioned above, parents can also take their babies for additional vaccinations such as influenza vaccine, cervical cancer vaccine (female), hepatitis A vaccine, chickenpox vaccine, IPD vaccine, etc.
Caring for the baby before and after vaccination
There are certain steps to take before and after vaccinating your child.
Parents should check the vaccination schedule and ensure that all information is correct and adhered to. Parents should also ensure that Doctors and Nurses are duly informed of any allergies the child may be suffering from.
After receiving the vaccination, you should observe your child for any symptoms for about 30 minutes before leaving the hospital.
At home, if you notice any symptoms such as high fever, rash, etc., you should see a doctor immediately.
