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Childhood Vaccines: what they are and the importance of their implementation

Childhood Vaccines: what they are and the importance of their implementation

Edited by: TOP DOCTORS® at 10/10/2023

Thirty years ago only 4 or 5 vaccines were known to be administered, but at present about 15 vaccines are available to protect between 20 to 25 diseases.

Dr. Juan José Almaraz Navarro

The primary function of the vaccine for infants or childhood vaccines is to interact with the immune system of children. This is to imitate what would happen at the time of having contact with a germ, virus or bacteria in the body and should be prescribed by a pediatrician .

Basically, vaccines have as their main function to create antibodies to simulate immune function. Thus, the child will avoid suffering the disease, its possible consequences or complications, since it has administered within its body a substance that is previously prepared for the immune system to recognize it as strange: generate antibodies and protect them, often, for lifetime.

All approved vaccines are important

All vaccines available to be administered to a human being, and which have been approved, are important. Every human being can protect himself, not only children. Age is sometimes taken into account, as there are vaccines for adolescent and adult children, but there is not one more important than the other. Thirty years ago only 4 or 5 vaccines were known to be administered, but today, thanks to medical research, about 15 vaccines are available to protect between 20 and 25 diseases.

Risks and reactions to consider

The risks of administering a vaccine is that a foreign substance is introduced into the child's immune system, which can trigger a different reaction in the body. However, this is beneficial because antibodies are being created without the disease. If this is not done, the child would be exposed to the disease naturally.

Local reactions are pain and redness, as well as a bit of swelling at the site of vaccine application. These discomforts are generally transient. In some cases, there may be general malaise, joint pain, fever, headache, poor appetite, and those that can be serious such as anaphylactic or allergic reactions.  

Pediatrics in Miguel Hidalgo