About this topic
Vaccines have saved many people from death or serious handicap. A vaccine is a substance that boosts the bodys ability to fight certain germs that cause disease. Vaccines are made from weakened or dead germs. Vaccines are given as a shot, most often before the body is exposed to the germ. If the body encounters the germs later in life, it will recognize the germs and the immune system will defend itself. There are many illnesses that can be prevented by a vaccine. Measles, mumps, and some kinds of hepatitis are all kinds of illnesses that may be prevented with a vaccine. So are tetanus and polio. ‚
General
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are things that you should know about vaccines: ‚
- Get your child vaccinated.
- Children need vaccines to protect them from dangerous illnesses.
- Vaccines protect children and adults. Those with very weak immune systems and babies too young to be vaccinated are protected by other children who are vaccinated.
- Most vaccines need a few doses over time to have the best immune response. Ask your doctor how many vaccines your child needs for each kind of disease.
- Vaccines have side effects, but almost all of these are minor.
- The risks are low and serious side effects are very rare. The benefits outweigh the risks of vaccines.
- Ask your childs doctor what you should do if your child has a reaction to a vaccine.
- Keep a record of your child's shots. If you change doctors, bring the record to the next doctor.
- Visit your local hospitals and health centers for free vaccines.
What will the results be?
The vaccines help protect your child against certain illnesses. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Lower fever
- Help with pain
Will physical activity be limited?
Let your child rest after getting a shot. If there is fever, no hard activity is recommended. ‚
Will there be any other care needed?
- Keep a record of your childs shots and bring them with you when getting a new one.
- When traveling outside the country, ask your child's doctor if your child needs any extra vaccines.
- If your child falls behind schedule, ask your child's doctor how your child can best be caught up.
- If your child has a chronic illness, ask your child's doctor if there are any special vaccines to get or any vaccines your child needs to skip.
What problems could happen?
Mild reactions are common. Your child may have redness and swelling where the shot was given or fever. A combination of fever, rash, swollen glands, and joint pain is a rare reaction that can happen. Serious reactions like a seizure or very bad allergic reaction do not happen often. ‚
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of a very bad reaction to the vaccine. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- High fever or behavior that is not normal
- Jerking body movements
Helpful tips
Bring your childs favorite toy or blanket when you go to the clinic for the shots. ‚
Where can I learn more?
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ‚
http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/parents-guide/downloads/parents-guide-508.pdf ‚
http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vac-gen/side-effects.htm ‚
FamilyDoctor.org ‚
http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/kids/vaccines/childhood-vaccines-what-they-are-and-why-your-child-needs-them.html ‚
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases ‚
http://www.niaid.nih.gov/topics/vaccines/understanding/pages/typesvaccines.aspx ‚
NHS Choices ‚
http://www.nhs.uk/Planners/vaccinations/Pages/Landing.aspx ‚
U.S. Food and Drug Administration ‚
http://www.fda.gov/biologicsbloodvaccines/vaccines/default.htm ‚
Vaccines ‚
http://www.vaccines.gov/basics/index.html ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚