276 chapter 12: Caring for your baby
Immunizations (vaccinations)
Vaccines give simple, sure protection against many dangerous
diseases. If health workers do not give immunizations in your
community, take your children to the nearest health center to
be immunized. It is better to take them for immunizations
while they are healthy, than to take them for treatment
when they are sick or dying. Immunizations are usually given
free. (Different countries use different schedules.) The most
important vaccines for children are:
Immunization
DPT
for diphtheria,
whooping cough (pertussis),
and tetanus
POLIO
(infantile paralysis)
BCG
for tuberculosis
MEASLES
HepB (Hepatitis B)
Hib
for Haemophilus influenza
type b, which is a germ
that causes meningitis
and pneumonia in young
children
Td or TT (Tetanus
toxoid), for tetanus
(lockjaw) for adults and
children over 12 years old
When given
Given at 2 months, 4 months,
6 months, and 18 months.
In some countries 1 dose is
given at birth, and 3 more
doses are given at the same
time as the DPT injections.
At birth or anytime afterward.
1 injection no younger
than 9 months, and often
a second injection at 15
months or older.
3 injections are usually given
at the same time as DPT.
3 injections given together
with the first 3 DPT injections.
1 injection every 10 years.
In some countries this is
done between 9 and 11 years
(5 years after the last DPT
vaccination), and then every
10 years.
Note
In some countries one more
injection is given when a child is
between 4 and 6 years old.
In other countries the first 3 doses
are given at the same time as
the DPT injections, the 4th dose
between 12 and 18 months of age,
and a 5th dose at 4 years old.
In many countries, a ‘3 in 1’
vaccine called MMR (measles,
mumps and rubella—German
measles) is given between 12 and
15 months, and a second injection
between 4 and 6 years.
In some countries the injections
are given at birth, 2 months, and 6
months.
Pregnant women should be
immunized during each pregnancy
so their babies will be protected
against tetanus of the newborn
(see page 251).
Immunize your children on time.
Be sure they get the complete series of each vaccine they need.
A Health Handbook for Women with Disabilities 2007