Vaccines – Your Baby’s Protective Umbrella

Since 1986, “National Children’s Vaccination Day” has been observed in China every year on April 25th. This year marks the 31^st National Children’s Vaccination Day, which is themed “Standardizing Vaccination and Building a Healthy China.”

The national vaccine immunization program, directed principally at children, is one of the most successful examples of effective preventive care all over the world. Through preventive vaccination, smallpox has been eliminated worldwide. The spread of poliomyelitis (commonly known as polio or infantile paralysis) has ceased in most countries and regions. Moreover, the morbidity, disability and mortality rates for diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus and measles have significantly decreased worldwide.

Vaccination can effectively prevent the following infection

– Hepatitis B virus

-Poliomyelitis

-Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis

– Measles

– Chicken Pox

– Japanese encephalitis

– Mumps

– Hepatitis A

– Hand-Foot-Mouth Disease

Schedule for vaccination
To prevent a child from getting any of the diseases for which vaccine protection is available, children should begin receiving vaccines within the first few months of life. This allows the child to be protected from common childhood illnesses as well as illnesses that can develop during adulthood.

Many diseases prevented by vaccines are more serious in young children. The recommended schedule is available through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The timing of vaccines is important. The recommended immunization schedule has been carefully studied. The schedule may be helpful in reminding parents when their child is due for vaccines.