Vaccines given at birth and their purposes

Vaccines given at birth and their purposes

Vaccines given at birth and their purposes

Vaccines are one of the most important public health interventions ever developed. They protect people from serious diseases by exposing them to a weakened or inactive form of the germ that causes the disease. This helps the body develop immunity to the disease, so it can fight it off if it is ever exposed to the real germ.

Vaccines given at birth

There are three vaccines that are routinely recommended to be given to babies at birth:

  • Hepatitis B (HepB): HepB is a liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus. It can lead to serious liver damage, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. The HepB vaccine helps protect babies from HepB infection.
  • Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib): Hib is a bacterium that can cause serious infections, such as meningitis and pneumonia, in young children. The Hib vaccine helps protect babies from Hib infection.
  • Rotavirus: Rotavirus is a virus that causes severe diarrhea and vomiting in young children. It can lead to dehydration and hospitalization. The rotavirus vaccine helps protect babies from rotavirus infection.

Purpose of vaccines given at birth

Vaccines given at birth are important because they protect babies from serious diseases at a time when they are most vulnerable. Babies' immune systems are not fully developed, so they are at increased risk of infection. Vaccines help to give babies a head start on developing immunity to these diseases, so they can be protected even if they are exposed to them early in life.

Safety of vaccines given at birth

Vaccines are very safe. They have been extensively tested and monitored, and they have been shown to be very effective in preventing disease. The benefits of vaccines far outweigh the risks.

Side effects of vaccines given at birth

Vaccines can cause some mild side effects, such as soreness, redness, and swelling at the injection site. These side effects are usually mild and go away on their own within a few days. In rare cases, vaccines can cause more serious side effects, but these are very rare.

Conclusion

Vaccines given at birth are important for protecting babies from serious diseases. They are very safe and effective. If you have any questions or concerns about vaccines, talk to your doctor.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/parents/by-age/newborn-birth.html

 

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