Vaccination For Pregnant Women and Children

What is vaccination?

Vaccination is the most effective and safest way to prevent many life-threatening diseases in childhood. Vaccination strengthens the immune system of the child and gives them the power to fight against various bacteria and viruses.

Which vaccines are given to pregnant women and when are these vaccines should be given?

Pregnant women should be given two tetanus toxoid (TT) vaccines as early as possible during pregnancy. These vaccines are called TT-1 and TT-2. It is necessary to keep a gap of 4 weeks between these two vaccines. If a pregnant woman has received two TT vaccines in the last 3 years, then she should only be given a booster TT vaccine during this pregnancy.

Why do pregnant women need vaccinations?

Giving the TT vaccine to all pregnant women protects them and their babies from tetanus disease. Tetanus is a deadly disease for newborns due to which they get stiffness and severe muscle cramps. Sometimes babies are unable to breathe due to tightness in the ribs and this can be fatal.

Should a pregnant woman still be vaccinated with TT if she registers her name late during pregnancy (ANC Registration)?

A major cause of neonatal death is due to tetanus infection at birth. Therefore, even if a pregnant woman enrolls late for ANC, she should be vaccinated with TT. But TT-1+ TT-2 or TT booster vaccines should be given at least four weeks before the expected date of delivery so that she can get the full benefit.

What should be done if there is no scar on the arm of the child after BCG vaccination?

There is no need to re-vaccinate the child if there is no scar on the arm of the child after the BCG vaccine.

Why are children being given polio doses in pulse polio campaigns along with routine vaccinations?

Polio infection still exists worldwide. There is a constant risk of spreading the infection from a person infected with polio disease. Therefore, until the infection of polio is eradicated from the whole world, it is necessary to give polio doses to the children to maintain their level of protection.

What diseases does the pentavalent vaccine protect against?

The pentavalent vaccine protects against diseases caused by five bacteria – diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), tetanus, hepatitis B, meningitis, and pneumonia.

Growing infants or children often complain of fever and rash. Should the infant or child be vaccinated against measles even if they already have a rash or fever?

Yes, vaccination is important for every child. They should be vaccinated after consulting the doctor

When should baby vaccinations begin?

• According to the vaccination schedule, all babies born in a hospital or any other institution should be vaccinated with BCG, a "zero" dose of polio, and a hepatitis B vaccine within 24 hours of birth.
• At one and a half months (6 weeks) the first vaccine of OPV, Rotavirus Vaccine, F-IPV, PCV (Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine), and Pentavalent is given.
• 28 days after the first vaccination, the infant is to be given OPV, rotavirus vaccine, and a second vaccine of pentavalent.
• 28 days after the second inoculation, the third vaccine of OPV, the third of rotavirus vaccine, the second of F-IPV, the second of PCV (pneumococcal conjugate vaccine), and the third of pentavalent vaccine is given.
• At 9 months of age, the first dose of Vitamin A and the PCV (Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine) booster dose is given along with the measles vaccine.
• At the age of 16 to 24 months, the child is given measles and a second dose of Vitamin A.
• A total of 9 doses of Vitamin 'A' should be given at an interval of 6 months till the child completes 5 years.

Should a baby get vaccinated even if he is sick?

Yes, common problems like cough, cold, diarrheal disease, and malnutrition do not prevent vaccination. It is even more important to vaccinate a child with malnutrition as there is a high risk of him falling ill.

What precautions should be taken after vaccination?

• After vaccination, parents must wait with the child for 30 minutes at the health center or session site.
• In case of any side effect or adverse effect, the child can be given immediate medical help.
• The parent should not apply or rub any medicine at the injection site.
• If there is redness or swelling in that place, then soak a clean cloth in cold water, squeeze it and place it on the injection site.
• To give more comfort to the child, give Paracetamol tablets according to the quantity prescribed by the health center. After immunization and feeding the mother's milk, make the children lie flat on their waist.

Thinking about vaccination for yourself and your newborn, contact Post Covid Centers to solve all your doubts. Consult our doctors at Post Covid Centers, who will provide you with their expertise in vaccination and we will take care of your pregnancy and newborn child's future health.