Common Pediatric Vaccines: How they Keep Our Children Safe

Because of the invention of vaccines, many childhood illnesses that were one responsible for the deaths of millions of children have decreased in numbers significantly. Previously, diseases such as polio and diphtheria, caused lifelong medical issues for survivors, and, for those that didn’t survive, an early death. With the introduction of vaccines into society, immunity was built up against these illnesses, and children began to live long, healthier lives, with the mortality rate for children under ten drastically decreasing. 

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While these illnesses are far more rare than they were in the past, they are not completely gone from our planet, and can still infect your child if left unvaccinated. As a result, it is crucial that you provide your child with the necessary vaccines to keep them safe from harm.

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The majority of vaccinations take place between birth and 6 years of age, with the most common being the following:

• Measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine (MMR)

  • Can cause “fever, rash, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. Complications can include ear infection, diarrhea, pneumonia, brain damage, and death” (CDC).

• Hepatitis A and B

  • Hepatitis A: Can cause “fever, malaise, loss of appetite, diarrhea, nausea, abdominal discomfort, dark-coloured urine and jaundice (a yellowing of the eyes and skin)” (WHO).

  • Hepatitis B: Can cause “fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine, clay-colored bowel movements, joint pain, jaundice (yellow color in the skin or eyes)” (CDC).

• Polio

  • Can cause “sore throat, fever, tiredness, nausea, headache, stomach pain, paresthesia (feeling of pins and needles in the legs), meningitis (infection of the covering of the spinal cord and/or brain), paralysis” (CDC).

• Diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis vaccine (DTaP)

  • Diphtheria: Can cause “​​a thick grey-white coating that may cover the back of your throat, nose and tongue, a high temperature (fever), sore throat, swollen glands in your neck, difficulty breathing and swallowing, pus-filled blisters on your legs, feet and hands, large ulcers surrounded by red, sore-looking skin” (NHS).

  • Tetanus: Can cause “Jaw cramping, sudden, involuntary muscle tightening (muscle spasms) – often in the stomach, painful muscle stiffness all over the body, trouble swallowing, jerking or staring (seizures), headache, fever and sweating, changes in blood pressure and fast heart rate” (CDC).

  • Pertussis: Can cause “paroxysms (fits) of many, rapid coughs followed by a high-pitched “whoop” sound, vomiting during or after coughing fits, exhaustion after coughing fits” (CDC).

• Meningococcal

  • Can cause “fever, headache, stiff neck, nausea, vomiting, photophobia (eyes being more sensitive to light), altered mental status (confusion)” (CDC).

• Varicella (chickenpox)

  • Can cause” an itchy, red rash that breaks out on the face, scalp, chest, back and, to a lesser extent, arms and legs” (Mayo Clinic).

Each of these illnesses, if contracted, can cause serious harm to your child, and may result in death. Receiving a vaccine against each is the most effective way to stay safe from infection, and ensure your child lives a long, healthy life.