Supplementary vaccines for children are they really necessary?
Center : Children Health Center
Article by : Dr. Wasana Panjachaipornpon
In addition to the main vaccine or the basic vaccines that must be taken by your child. There are many other vaccines that are effective. It is useful in preventing a disease known as a booster vaccine. Many parents may wonder if supplemental vaccines are necessary for Children? So let's get to know the booster vaccine. Each type is useful in preventing disease in any way.
Vaccines for children
Currently, there are two types of vaccines for children: the first one is the basic vaccine that Thai children should receive according to the Ministry of Public Health's immunization program, the second is the booster vaccine or the alternative vaccine. This vaccine is outside the Ministry of Public Health's immunization plan. Which play an important role in disease prevention, including:
Pneumococcal Vaccine (IPD)
IPD is an invasive pneumococcal infection. It is the number one cause of death in childhood vaccine-preventable diseases. Especially in children younger than 5 years, pneumococcal bacteria can cause respiratory infections, including Otitis, sinusitis, pneumonia, and severe invasive infections, including meningitis. Bone and joint infections and infections in the bloodstream. Currently, there are two types of IPD vaccine, 10 strains and 13 strains, four doses at 2, 4, 6 months of age and booster at 12-15 months.
Influenza vaccine
Influenza There are three strains of influenza virus (Influenza Virus): Type A, B and C, with an incubation period of 1-4 days, causing symptoms of the upper respiratory tract (nose and throat) and may spread to Lower respiratory (Trachea and lungs) with high fever, aches and exhaustion in young children. Children with no immunity can have complications. The World Health Organization recommends vaccination against four strains of influenza, with the introduction of vaccination prior to the pandemic season. (Rainy season and winter) and an injection of immune stimulation every year. To have a high level of immunity and prevent influenza strains that are pandemic each year. The vaccine should be administered in children from 6 months to adults.
Chickenpox vaccine
Chickenpox is caused by a virus. Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV) causes fever. Rashes that grow multiple times on the skin. Outbreaks in winter to early summer spread through 1. Through cough, sneezing and direct contact or contact with lesions around the skin. It is a disease that is easily contagious and can spread quickly or 2. Aerosol from the throat. Especially in young children, older children who go to school. Infection in young infants, people with immunodeficiency and in adolescents or adults. There is a chance of serious complications such as pneumonia and encephalitis. Chickenpox can be effectively prevented with vaccines. It can be given in children from the age of 1 year up to adults. After two doses of the chickenpox vaccine, the immune system has the highest immunity, 98% against chickenpox infection, and 99% against the severity of chickenpox.
Cervical cancer vaccine
Cervical cancer Caused by HPV (Human Papillomavirus) infection, it is the leading cause of genital and anal epithelial infections. Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer after breast cancer in Thai women. and almost all of them are infected with HPV, a sexually transmitted disease. Preventing infection with vaccination is the best way to prevent disease. They should be injected since they have never had sex and the body is at the age of immunity. Recommended for women and men aged 9 to 26 years. Data in boys that can prevent genital warts and anal cancer as well as in a healthy teenager. If the first dose is injected before the age of 15, only two vaccinations are as effective as three injections.
Hepatitis A vaccine
Hepatitis A is an inflammation of the liver caused by hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection, which can be transmitted through eating and drinking contaminated food. Contact with contaminated dirt and feces or people who are infected and from consuming unsanitary water or food. What are the symptoms of acute hepatitis? Causing the child to have a fever Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, flatulence, jaundice, weakness, infection may be asymptomatic. The symptoms are not very severe. Hepatitis A can be injected from the age of 1 year, 2 injections 6-12 months apart.
| Booster vaccine | Number | Age Range |
|---|---|---|
| IPD vaccine (IPD) | 4 doses | 2, 4, 6 months and a booster shot at 12-15 months of age. |
| Influenza vaccine | One dose a year | 6 months and up to adults |
| Chickenpox vaccine | 2 doses | 12-18 months and booster at 4-6 years old |
| Cervical cancer vaccine | 2 doses | Age 9-15 years, 2nd dose after the first dose 6-12 |
| Hepatitis A vaccine | 2 doses | 1 year or more, 2nd time, 6-12 months apart |
Supplementary vaccination is used to build additional immunity against diseases in order to reduce illnesses. Children will be healthy, strong, ready to learn to their fullest potential. Each booster vaccine should be administered in the risk group. You can consult with a medical professional about the risks to the child that it is necessary or a need to get a vaccines to focus on a particular disease.
