Vaccines are the biological preparations that are used for treating certain life-threatening situations by exposing the body to a weakened or almost dead pathogen.
Vaccines are more likely the trials that are given to the body so that the body’s immune system can prepare itself for the actual disease. According to a study published by the National Library of Medicine, proper childhood vaccination measures have reduced the number of cases by 14 million in the USA alone in the year 2001.
Vaccination has freed humanity from horrific diseases and has also proved to be a cure for millions of people. But with the pandemic, the global aim of vaccination has drastically reduced. The number of people that are being deprived of the most important vaccines has surged to a whopping 23 million children, according to the WHO.
The most important vaccines in the history of mankind have proved to be nothing short of a blessing. The standards of living got increased all due to advancements in the field of vaccination and immunization.
Let us have a look at the most important vaccines of history. And later in the blog, we will be discussing all the important yet most common vaccines for babies and infants. Having an outlook on these vaccines and their effects on your body will help you in understanding their importance so that you don’t miss out on the next dose of vaccine.
Table of Contents
1- Vaccines for Smallpox
This disease was the first against which the effective method of vaccination was developed. Smallpox emerged as an epidemic affecting large populations of the world. There was no cure to treat the ailment.
The vaccines developed after multiple trials have resulted in the elimination of this contagious and deadly disease in 1980.
2- Vaccines for flu
Flu also began as a pandemic in the early 1900s. The virus mutated over the passage of time and resulted in the birth of many other deadly flu types. The most common of all is swine flu which emerged as a pandemic in 2009.
The vaccines have greatly sequestered the passage of this flu pandemic and now inoculating against this disease has become a part of the general vaccination routine.
So these were the most important vaccines in history that have elevated the standards of mankind.
So now let us jump straight into the discussion of the most common vaccines for babies nowadays.
Most Common Vaccines for Babies
1- Polio
Polio or poliomyelitis is a life-threatening situation that is caused by the poliovirus. This disease has affected almost all the world equally but now the first world countries have eradicated the deadly disease due to routine vaccinations and hygienic measures. But this is still present in third-world countries. It is the most common vaccine for babies.
Why is the Polio Vaccine Essential?
The disease spread out due to the virus that can spread from person to person. The virus can enter the bloodstream and then it can reach the brain and spinal cord. This virus usually affects the movement capabilities of the affected person and can also lead to paralysis.
When To Vaccinate Against Polio?
The recommended number of shots for this vaccine is 4, which can be given to babies in different stages.
Starting from the early age of 1-2 months till 6 years this vaccine provides immunity against polio disease.
2- Hepatitis B
Hepatitis is caused by viruses that are of varied types. Like viruses, there are many types of hepatitis as well. Hepatitis B is one of the many types that has affected a large population of the world. According to the data collected by the World Health Organization, hepatitis B has resulted in 820,000 deaths in the year 2019.
Why is Hepatitis B Vaccine Necessary?
Hepatitis B can spread from mother to child during pregnancy. That is why it is essential to get your child vaccinated for the disease. This virus affects the liver and can lead to liver cancer if it is not treated timely.
When To Vaccinate Against Hepatitis B?
The doctors often suggest getting your babies vaccinated against this deadly disease as early as possible. The number of doses that are deemed safe to produce the immunity is 3 which can be given at any time from 1 month to 6 months.
RELATED: To get these vaccinations done, make an appointment with the best hospitals in the town through our website.
3- MMR( Measles, Mumps, and Rubella)
Each of the above-mentioned diseases is caused by viruses that are very contagious and can immediately affect the person, particularly the babies.
Measles and rubella are diseases of the respiratory system that can result in severe coughing and sneezing. Mumps on the other hand is a disease that is represented by swollen salivary glands.
When to Get the Vaccination?
The doctors often give a collective dose of vaccine for all 3 diseases named MMR. The time span during which the vaccine should be given is around 12 months of age to 4-6 years in 2 shots.
4- DTaP
This vaccine is used to treat three diseases called diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis(whooping cough). Diphtheria is an ailment that can affect the nose and throat. Tetanus is again caused due to a virus that can affect the muscles of the body and can cause painful spasms. Pertussis or commonly called whooping cough is a fatal condition that can lead to a persistent cough.
When To Vaccinate against it?
Nowadays, the tetanus vaccine is a part of a combined vaccine called DTaP that provides immunity against all three diseases i.e. diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis.
The doctors prescribe 5 shots of this vaccine at different age spans so that the vaccine can develop the necessary immunity in the babies.
SIDE NOTE: find out these 9 signs of a healthy baby.
5- Chickenpox
Chicken pox caused by the varicella virus is the disease when babies often develop itchy rashes and blisters that are called pocks. The blisters then form the scars as well.
This virus doesn’t discriminate against any age group and can affect any individual or even a healthy baby.
When to get the Vaccination Shot?
For chicken pox, there are 2 shots that the doctors often suggest. One at around 10-14 months and the other shot at around 4-6 years of age.
6- Rota Virus
The vaccines against rotavirus are also essential because this virus can cause abdominal distress among children and babies. This can lead to diarrhoea and in extreme cases can also lead to severe dehydration that can cause death as well. It is one of the first vaccines that the baby receives to protect the gut health so that the baby can develop the gut properly.
When to Get this Vaccination Done?
The ideal time for this vaccination in babies is around 1 month till 4 months maximum. This will help in maintaining the overall health of the baby.
7- Haemophilus Influenzae
Hib or Haemophilus influenzae type b is a serious disease that can affect the child’s immune and central nervous system. It can also lead to life-threatening pneumonia if not treated properly.
When to Vaccinate Against Haemophilus Influenzae?
The ideal time to get your babies vaccinated against this disease is between 1 month after birth and 1 year. This will help in developing the necessary immunity against this disease.
Bottom line
Get your child vaccinated against all these fatal conditions. These important and most common vaccines can help babies to lead healthy and strong life. The important vaccines in history have saved us from many diseases, so getting these vaccinations done in our time will save our next generations from all these diseases. To get the best advice for your baby, make an appointment today with the best paedtraitican in the area. To get yourself updated on many other childcare and general health articles, visit our website healthwire.
Meta desc: vaccines in the past have eradicated fatal diseases and the most common vaccines in babies can prevent many other diseases as well.
