Today we are going to talk about an important health topic that still creates confusion, doubts, and even fear among mothers and fathers. We are going to talk about vaccination! Vaccines are the mechanism used to control certain infectious and contagious diseases, to fight their spread, and even eradicate them. Many parents still doubt the effectiveness of vaccines, and many people still believe that vaccines cause the disease instead of curing it. This belief arises from the fact that vaccines are made with the very microorganisms that cause diseases, but without attacking powers. That is, weakened microorganisms from the disease are injected or introduced into the human body, prompting it to produce antibodies, which will then fight the weakened microorganisms from the disease and will be “on standby” to also combat the stronger microorganisms, thus preventing the disease from developing.
It is important to say that there are rare cases of adverse events after vaccination, which are unwanted clinical occurrences in the vaccinated individual and may be classified as mild, moderate, or severe. The most frequent occurrences are the appearance of nodules, wounds, bruises, fever, and pain, which may be related to the vaccine’s composition, the vaccinated individuals, the technique used during vaccine administration, or coincide with other aggravating factors. A serious AEFI is considered one that requires hospitalization for at least 24 hours; causes significant or persistent incapacity (sequelae); results in congenital anomalies; poses a threat to life (requiring immediate intervention to prevent death); or leads to death.
Which Vaccines Are on the Ministry of Health’s Schedule
The flu vaccine is not on the schedule because it is offered in campaigns every year just before winter. At that time, pregnant women and children between six months and two years old should be vaccinated. In addition to the vaccines provided by the public health system, according to the National Vaccination Calendar above, the Brazilian Society of Pediatrics also recommends the following vaccines:
Age Vaccine Dose
- 1 month Hepatitis B 2nd dose
- 2 months Haemophilus type b 1st dose
- 4 months Haemophilus type b 2nd dose
- 6 months Hepatitis B 3rd dose
- Haemophilus type b 3rd dose
- Influenza 1st dose
- 7 months Influenza 2nd dose
- 12 months Hepatitis A 1st dose
- Varicella (chickenpox) 1st dose
- Meningococcal C Conjugate Booster
- 15 months Haemophilus type b Booster
- 18 months Hepatitis A 2nd dose
- 4 years Polio (OPV) or (IPV – inactivated virus) Booster
- Varicella (chickenpox) Booster
- MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) 2nd dose
It should be noted that these vaccines are not available in the public health system, with the flu vaccine being offered in periodic campaigns. Additionally, it is important to note that premature babies have notable differences regarding the infant vaccination schedule, as outlined below:
BCG-ID Should be administered at birth in newborns weighing 2 kilograms or more.
Hepatitis B Administer at birth, with the usual three-dose scheme (0, 1, and 6 months).
Pneumococcal Begin as early as possible (at 2 months of age). Following chronological age: three doses at 2, 4, and 6 months and a booster at 15 months.
Influenza Following chronological age: two doses at 6 and 7 months.
Polio (inactivated) In newborns hospitalized in the neonatal unit, only use the inactivated (injectable) vaccine. It should be administered at 2, 4, and 6 months, with boosters at 15 months and 4 years of age.
Rotavirus: The hospitalized premature infant should not receive this vaccine, as it is made with live virus and carries a potential risk of vaccine virus spread inside the neonatal ICU. Depending on the manufacturer, the vaccine may be given in two or three doses, at 2, 4, and, if a third dose is needed, at 6 months of age.
DTP (triple bacterial): Preferably use acellular vaccines. Should be administered at 2, 4, and 6 months, with two boosters at 15 months and at 4 years of age.
Haemophilus type B: The hospitalized premature infant should not receive this vaccine, as it is made with live virus and carries a potential risk of vaccine virus spread inside the neonatal ICU.
Depending on the manufacturer, the vaccine may be given in two or three doses, at 2, 4, and, if a third dose is needed, at 6 months of age. Not available in the public health system. The other vaccines in the child vaccination schedule should be administered according to the corrected age of the premature baby. We have seen the number of vaccines, some quite complicated acronyms and names.
Many parents prefer to vaccinate their children in private laboratories and clinics. Those who do so need to be aware that there are different combinations of vaccines. That is, one specific laboratory may have a pentavalent vaccine against diseases A, B, C, D, and E, while the pentavalent vaccine from another laboratory might protect against diseases B, C, D, E, and F. Therefore, the recommendation is that if you choose to have your child vaccinated at a certain laboratory or private clinic, all vaccines should always be given at the same location. This avoids confusion, prevents a disease from being prevented more than once, and ensures that no diseases are left unprotected.
I hope this text was helpful. Remember, vaccinating your child is more than a concern for their health: it is an act of love, just as important as breastfeeding. Following the childhood vaccination schedule strictly can save the life of your little treasure. In any case, regular follow-ups with the pediatrician are of fundamental importance for your child’s vaccination calendar to be up to date, since the doctor is the most qualified professional to indicate when and which vaccine to apply.
Website mentioned by the doctor in the video above: http://www.sbim.org.br//
See also: Childhood Vaccination – Lifelong Protection
Photo: UNICEF Ethiopia
