Infections and diseases during the first 1000 days of an infant’s life have a great impact on your child’s growth and long-term health. In 2002, WHO estimated that 1.4 million of deaths among children under 5 years are due to diseases that could have been prevented by routine vaccination. This represents 14% of global total mortality in children under 5 years of age. Certain diseases such as Tuberculosis, Hepatitis B, Diphtheria, Polio, Pneumonia and Measles are preventable through timely vaccination and by completing multiple doses of the vaccine for them to be effective.

What are the vaccines given at birth?

At birth, your baby must receive his/her BCG and Hepatitis B vaccine. The BCG vaccine protects against Tuberculosis which is a communicable disease of the lungs which may affect the brain or lead to death when untreated. Tuberculosis may also contribute to poor growth and malnutrition, thus having this vaccine helps lower the risk of contracting this disease. Hepatitis B vaccine protects against the Hepatitis B virus which affects the liver and can make your child more prone to chronic infections and increased risk for liver cancer in later life.

What are the vaccines that have three doses?

Three vaccines that are given in 3 doses at different months must be completed for them to be effective:

1. Pentavalent vaccine.This vaccine protects against Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus, Influenza B and Hepatitis B which are given at 6, 10 and 14 weeks. Diphtheria is an infection of the tonsils which may hinder breathing and swallowing - which may also hinder breastfeeding which may lead to malnutrition. Pertussis or whooping cough causes coughing spells which may last for weeks. Tetanus causes painful muscle contractions which may cause locking of their neck and jaw muscles (lockjaw) which may hinder feeding sessions. Influenza is an acute respiratory infection caused by influenza viruses which may cause severe illness or death in people at high risk.

2. Oral Polio Vaccine. The oral polio vaccine protects against the poliovirus which leads to permanent paralysis of the limbs and in severe cases - paralysis of the breathing muscles which can lead to death. It is given at 6, 10, and 14 weeks. Another polio vaccine - the inactivated polio vaccine is given at 14 weeks.

3. PCV for Pneumonia & Meningitis. The PCV vaccine protects against Pneumonia and Meningitis. Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs while Meningitis is an infection of the brain when bacteria or viruses spread into the blood and make their way to the brain. To prevent it, this vaccine is given at 6, 10, and 14 weeks.

What vaccine must be given by 9 months?

The MMR vaccine protects against Measles, Mumps and Rubella which is given at 9 months and one year old. The two doses must be completed for it to be effective. Measles is a contagious disease which presents with rashes, high fever and white spots in the back of the mouth and in severe cases, it may lead to blindness, brain swelling and death. Mumps is an infection of the salivary glands which also presents with high fever. Rubella infection in children are mild but it may lead to miscarriage or infant death in pregnant women.

These vaccines are given for FREE in our health centers. Visit your nearest health center for information on vaccination schedules, vaccination cards and for other nutrition and growth monitoring services.

/AET

References:

Department of Health (n.d.). Expanded Program on Immunization. GOVPH. Retrieved from https://doh.gov.ph/expanded-program-on-immunization

UNICEF Philippines (2021). Routine Immunization for Children in the Philippines. UNICEF Philippines. Retrieved from https://www.unicef.org/philippines/stories/routine-immunization-children-philippines