Intensive studies to prevent the transmission of the Covid-19 virus have once again demonstrated how important the vaccine is for societies beyond personal health.
Although Covid-19 infection seems to have overridden other diseases for months, vaccine-preventable diseases such as hepatitis, measles or chickenpox continue to spread. Therefore, babies and children need to be vaccinated regularly. Acıbadem Fulya Hospital Pediatric Health and Diseases Specialist Dr. Demet Matben emphasized that childhood vaccinations will not be neglected or delayed and said, “The approach towards childhood vaccinations is growing. However, anti-vaccines put the health of both their own children and the society at risk. If we do not see children who died of tuberculosis, became disabled from polio, and had brain damage due to the measles epidemic, this is due to the vaccination. says. Underlining that vaccination is very important for public health, especially after the pandemic, Dr. Demet Matben made important suggestions and warnings to parents and families by mentioning the special vaccines that are not included in this scope together with the vaccination program of the Ministry of Health.
Hepatitis B vaccine protects the liver
Hepatitis, which means liver inflammation and has various types, is among the most common infectious diseases. Hepatitis B disease is quite common in Turkey, it can cause chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis in later stages. Hepatitis B virus can be transmitted from the mother who carries this virus due to transfusion of blood and blood products, sexual intercourse, small cuts, ear piercing, tattoo, dental treatment, manicure and pedicure procedures. Hepatitis B vaccine, which is administered as soon as the baby is born in order to avoid the problems it causes, is repeated in the first and sixth months and administered in three doses.
There is no passage to diseases with five karma!
The vaccine, which is administered in the form of a "five-shot combination", is given at 2, 4, 6 and 18 months to prevent diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio and meningitis, which are all dangerous from the other, and then must be repeated at the 4 and 9 years of age. Stating that the most common bacterium that causes meningitis in children is hemophilus influenza, Dr. Demet Matben said, “This vaccine also protects children from meningitis. However, the protection of Five Combined (DaBT-IPA-Hib) vaccines starts after having at least three doses. Therefore, the sooner it is done, the sooner the protection begins. These vaccines should be given as of the second month ”he informs.
Pneumococcal vaccine against pneumonia
The pneumococcal vaccine, known as pneumonia, has a wide range of protection from sinusitis and pneumonia to otitis media and pneumococcal meningitis. Emphasizing that the importance of this vaccine increased during the pandemic period due to the effect of the Covid-19 virus on the respiratory tract, Dr. "The pneumococcal vaccine is administered at the 2nd, 4th and 12th months of the baby," says Demet Matben.
Tuberculosis vaccine protects even if it leaves no traces
Although tuberculosis seems like a lingering disease, it is still considered a common health problem in our country. Therefore, tuberculosis vaccine known as BCG noted that implementation of the utmost importance for Turkey Dr. Demet Matben, “2. The vaccine administered from the first month is given to the left shoulder. There is a scar where the vaccine was made. However, the absence of scars does not mean that the vaccine does not work. "If he has been vaccinated, your child becomes immune to TB germ," he says.
Measles, rubella, mumps triad
The "triple vaccine", which provides protection against measles, rubella and mumps, which are closely related to public health, is administered at the age of one and does not cause intense side effects. After a week or ten days, mild fever and rash may develop, but these symptoms disappear in 3-5 days. Reminding that there has been a measles epidemic that started in Europe for the last 3-4 years, Dr. Miracles Matban, "occasionally in infants between 9 months and 11 months in Turkey implemented an extra dose of measles vaccine and vaccination campaigns can be arranged." says.
Chickenpox vaccine given at one year old
The vaccine, which is made to protect against chickenpox, which causes rash and is a very contagious disease, is applied in the 12th month along with the measles, rubella and mumps vaccines.
It is possible to be protected from hepatitis A
Hepatitis is a very common infectious disease in Turkey, is spread from food and water from hands, affects the liver. The vaccine, which is administered in two doses in the 18th and 24th months in childhood, protects from this common disease and does not have any side effects.
Vaccines that fight rotavirus and meningitis
Although not included in the vaccination calendar of the Ministry of Health, there are other vaccines required for child health. Among them, rota virus and meningococcal vaccines stand out. Stating that rota virus is a very common cause of non-microbial diarrhea in childhood, Child Health and Diseases Specialist Dr. Demet Matben said, “90 percent of the children come to the hospital with diarrhea, vomiting and fever. "This virus, which can cause a general health condition, can cause a life-threatening risk," he says. There are two or three doses of oral rotavirus vaccine. The first application is usually done in 2 or 3 months. Emphasizing that meningococcus, a type of meningitis seen from early childhood, can affect the vascular system within 24 hours and become a life-threatening health problem with bleeding, coagulation disorder and multiple organ failure. Demet Matben said, “The vaccine with two types is administered in the 3rd month at the earliest. Early administration is important as its effect begins six weeks after vaccination. Vaccination should begin as early as possible, as children under one year of age are at higher risk. However, it can also be done at later ages. "The number of doses depends on age," he says.
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