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Below is the list of infectious diseases
that could be vaccinated via child immunization shots.
| Disease |
Description/Complications |
Vaccine and Side Effects |
| Diphtheria |
* Contagious
* Can cause airway obstruction
* May lead to heart and brain damage |
* DTPa vaccine
* Mild reaction for less than 48 hours comprising soreness at the
injection site, slight fever, discomfort, cry more than normal,
irritability, grumpy, upset and lack of energy and could include
high fever. |
| Tetanus (lockjaw) |
* Spasms of jaw muscle (lockjaw)
* Stiffness in neck, arms and legs
* Extreme irritability when touched |
| Pertussis (whooping cough) |
* Contagious
* Severe prolonged coughing fits
* May lead to ear infections
* May rarely cause pneumonia, brain damage, mental retardation |
| Poliomyelitis (polio) |
* Contagious
* Permanent muscle weakness
* Paralysis, especially of the legs |
* Specific vaccine
* Choice of oral or inject-able vaccine given with DTP
* This complication does not occur with the inject-able vaccine |
| Measles |
* Highly contagious
* Common symptoms of fever, cough, runny nose followed by rashes
all over the body |
* MMR vaccine
* Fever, cough and runny nose can occur within one to two weeks
after the vaccination
* Serious side effects are rare |
| Mumps |
* Highly contagious
* Swelling of the glands behind the jaws
* Fever
* Pain on chewing
* May lead to inflammation of testicles which results in
infertility, ovaries, brain and pancreas |
| Rubella (German measles) |
* Mild infection in children
* Symptoms resemble those of measles
* Congenital rubella syndrome may be passed on from pregnant women
to their offspring |
| Haemophilus influenza B (HiB) |
* Inflammation of membranes surrounding the brain
and spinal cord (meningitis)
* Pneumonia, bronchitis, bacteremia (bacteria in the blood), middle
ear infection, acute epiglottis |
* Specific vaccine |
| Tuberculosis (TB) |
* Contagious and fatal infection
* Affects lungs and other organs
* Leads to lung damage |
* BCG vaccine
* A small lump of ulcer indicates that vaccine is effective |
| Hepatitis B |
* Liver cirrhosis (destruction of liver cells)
* Liver cancer
* Jaundice |
* Specific vaccine
* Series of 3 injections
* Side effects are rare |
Common Vaccination Side Effects
* Mild Fever
Remember to ask for baby paracetamol from your pediatrician as some
babies tend to have fever after a vaccination. As this is a normal
reaction to the body after a set of pathogens (killed or weakened) is
introduced unnaturally into the body system, there is usually nothing
to worry about. The fever tends to subside by the second day. However
if fever persists, baby screams a lot or injected site is very swollen,
take your baby to the doctor immediately.
* Constant Crying
Your baby is probably feeling miserable for reasons that he is unaware
of, and the only way he can express himself is by crying. Therefore,
just be patient, and comfort him as best as you can.
* Soreness and Slight Swelling at Vaccination Site
Be tender when handling your baby for the next few days as the site may
still be sore for a day or two following the vaccination. Ensure that
he does not scratch the sore area while it is at its healing stage.
All these vaccination side effects are usually temporary, and most
babies will be fine the following day. Therefore, there is little cause
of concern.
Very rarely though, there will be serious side effects, such as
allergic reactions, high fever or behavioral changes. Bring your baby
immediately to the pediatrician if he shows post-vaccination symptoms
such as difficulty in breathing, hoarseness, hives, paleness or fast
heartbeat.
Where and when should your baby be vaccinated?
Your baby can be vaccinated at any
hospital. As a general rule, premature babies can be vaccinated at the
same age as full term babies. Follow the immunization program and
schedule recommended by the Health authority of your country.
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