Your Child's Immunizations

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Your Child's Immunizations

June 30, 2003 03:04:37 AM PST, KidsHealth.org

When a child is born, she usually has immunity to certain diseases. This is

a result of the disease-fighting antibodies that have passed through the

placenta from the mother to the unborn child. After birth, the breastfed

baby gets the continued benefits of additional antibodies in breast milk.

But in both cases, the immunity is only temporary.

Immunization (vaccination) is an artificial way of creating immunity to

certain diseases - by using relatively harmless substances called antigens

that come from or are similar to the components of microorganisms that cause

the diseases.

Microorganisms can be viruses, such as measles virus, or they can be

bacteria, such as pneumococcus. Vaccines stimulate the immune system into

reacting as if there were a real infection. The immune system then fights

off the " infection " and remembers the organism so it can fight it off

quickly if it enters the body at some future time.

Some parents may hesitate to give their children a vaccine because they are

concerned about complications or their children developing the illness the

vaccine is supposed to prevent. Although it's true that some vaccines could

have these effects, the likelihood of that happening is very small. Not

immunizing your child exposes her to greater health risks associated with

contracting the disease the vaccine is intended to prevent.

Immunization is one of the best means of protecting your child against

contagious diseases. The following vaccinations and schedule are recommended

by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Please note that some

variations are acceptable and that changes in recommendations frequently

occur as new vaccines are developed; your child's doctor will determine the

best vaccinations and schedule for your child.

Hep B

Hepatitis B (HBV) is a virus that infects the liver. Those who are infected

can become lifelong carriers of the virus and may develop long-term problems

such as cirrhosis (liver disease) or cancer of the liver.

Immunization Schedule

Hepatitis B vaccine usually is given as a series of three injections. The

first shot is given to infants shortly after birth. If the mother of a

newborn carries the hepatitis B virus in her blood, the infant needs to

receive the first shot within 12 hours after birth. If a newborn's mother

shows no evidence of HBV in her blood, the infant may receive the shot any

time prior to leaving the hospital. It also may be deferred until the 4- or

8-week visit to the child's doctor.

If the first shot is given shortly after birth, the second shot is given at

1 to 2 months and the third at 6 months. For infants who do not receive the

first shot until 4 to 8 weeks, the second shot is given at 3 to 4 months and

the third at 6 to 18 months. In either case, the second and third shots

usually are given in conjunction with other routine childhood immunizations.

Why Receive the Vaccine?

The hepatitis B vaccine probably creates lifelong immunity. Infants who

receive the HBV series should be protected from hepatitis B infection not

only throughout their childhood but also into the adult years. Eliminating

the risk of HBV infections also decreases risk for cirrhosis of the liver,

chronic liver disease, and liver cancer. Young adults and adolescents should

also receive the vaccine if they did not as infants.

Possible Risks

Serious problems associated with receiving the HBV vaccine are rare.

Problems that do occur tend to be minor, such as fever or redness or

tenderness at the injection site.

When to Delay or Avoid the Immunization

if your child is currently sick, although simple colds or other minor

illnesses should not prevent immunization

if severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) occurs after an injection of the

HBV vaccine

How to Care for Your Child After the Immunization

The vaccine may cause mild soreness and redness at the place the shot was

given; this may be treated with pain relievers like acetaminophen or

ibuprofen.

When to Call Your Child's Doctor

if you are not sure of the recommended schedule for the hepatitis B vaccine

if you have concerns about your own HBV carrier state

if moderate or serious adverse effects appear after an HBV injection has

been given to your child

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