After the 9 months of sleepless, painful, and cramp-filled yet incredibly exciting anticipation, we meet the topic of vaccinations and the vaccination schedule once we hold our baby in our arms. Within the first three days after birth, your baby will encounter this topic, which will not be very pleasant for them.
Although the baby's heartfelt crying breaks a mother's heart, we endure it because this is a crucial issue that will lay the foundation for their future healthy life.
After birth, in the hospital, health center, or any health institution related to the baby, a vaccination card will be provided.
What is a Vaccine?
A vaccine is the introduction of weakened germs, viruses, and proteins into the body to provide immunity against diseases that the baby might encounter in the future. This is not only important for our child but also for the global health, as it contributes to disease eradication by increasing immunity. Therefore, vaccination is of great importance for the health of both our baby and future generations.
What is a Vaccination Card (Vaccination Schedule) for?
Each disease has specific ages when it is most effective, and vaccinations should be administered before the child reaches the age when they are most at risk of contracting the disease. Since the number of diseases is unfortunately quite large, a vaccination schedule or vaccination card is used to track the timing and types of vaccines required.
Which Vaccine Should Be Given When and Where?
As parents who have said "yes" to everything that will protect our baby from birth, there is a vaccination schedule we need to follow. When it's time for vaccination, it should be done at health centers, family health centers, or the Maternal and Child Health and Family Planning Centers (AOÇ/AP), never at untrusted or unregistered places where the baby's health can be at risk.
Unless there is any disease or other condition, the following vaccination schedule is generally applied:
- First vaccine: Hepatitis B within the first 72 hours after birth.
- Second vaccine: Hepatitis B at 1 month.
- Third vaccine: BCG, DTP – IPV – Hib, Pneumococcal at 2 months.
- Fourth vaccine: Rotavirus at 3 months.
- Fifth vaccine: Pneumococcal, DTP – IPV – Hib at 4 months.
- Sixth vaccine: Rotavirus at 5 months.
- Seventh vaccine: Hepatitis B, OPV (Oral Polio), DTP – IPV – Hib, Pneumococcal at 6 months.
- Eighth vaccine: DTP – IPV – Hib, OPV (Oral Polio), Hepatitis A at 18 months.
- Ninth vaccine: Hepatitis A at 24 months.
- Tenth vaccine: Measles, Rubella, Mumps, Chickenpox, Oral Polio, DTP at 4-6 years.
Before Vaccination: What Should Be Done?
Before vaccination, the doctor or health center usually conducts a general health examination and asks if the child has had any recent illness. After that, the vaccination is performed. Therefore, it is important to observe our children carefully before taking them for vaccination.
It is crucial not to use any fever-reducing medications or other drugs before the vaccination.
After Vaccination:
There are generally few side effects, but mild fever and tendency to sleep can occur. If the fever does not subside or there are any persistent negative changes in the child, consult your doctor. After vaccination, mothers should continue to monitor their children carefully.
We wish you a peaceful, healthy, and smile-filled life.