VACCINATIONS
STIKO recommends that infants and young children receive basic immunization against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), polio (child paralysis), Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b) and hepatitis B.
For most children, the vaccination schedule includes three partial vaccinations at:
2 months, 4 months, and 11 months of age, with at least 8 weeks between the first two doses and at least 6 months between the second and third doses.
Premature babies may follow a slightly different schedule, with four vaccine doses at 2, 3, 4, and 11 months of age.
It's also important to remember to give booster vaccinations at ages 5-6 years and again at ages 9-17 years, with additional boosters every 10 years thereafter.
While the vaccine is generally well-tolerated, it is common to experience mild side effects such as redness or swelling at the injection site, swollen lymph nodes, and general symptoms like shivering, tiredness, or gastrointestinal issues. A fever of 39°C is also possible, as well as upper respiratory tract infections. These side effects usually resolve within a few days.
It's understandable to have concerns about your child receiving vaccinations, but the benefits of protecting them against serious and potentially life-threatening illnesses far outweigh any temporary discomfort they may experience. Please don't hesitate to speak with your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns about the vaccination process.
MORE DETAILS:
Diphtheria is a serious and potentially life-threatening bacterial infection that can affect the throat and skin. It is spread through droplets in the air and can cause serious complications like difficulty breathing, heart rhythm problems, and even organ damage. The symptoms of diphtheria can include a sweet smell, swelling in the throat that blocks the airway, and greasy skin and wounds if the infection affects the skin. Antiserum and antibiotics are needed to treat the infection and prevent further complications. Unfortunately, despite intensive medical treatment, around 5-10% of those infected with diphtheria still die.
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Tetanus, also known as lockjaw, is a serious and potentially life-threatening bacterial infection that can cause painful muscle contractions and difficulty opening the mouth or swallowing. The tetanus bacteria can be found in soil and can enter the body through even small wounds. Symptoms of tetanus may include spasms of the facial muscles, difficulty opening the mouth, and spasms of the larynx and chest muscles that can lead to death by asphyxiation. Despite modern intensive care treatment, 10-20% of patients with tetanus still die, often due to difficulty breathing or heart failure. Tetanus is a global health concern and vaccination is the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from this serious infection. Even with early treatment, tetanus can be fatal.
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Polio, also known as child paralysis, is a serious and potentially debilitating disease caused by viruses. It is spread through contamination of food or water with feces and can lead to complications like permanent paralysis, muscle wasting, reduced bone growth, and joint destruction. Even decades after infection, muscle pain and paralysis can still occur in a condition known as post-polio syndrome. While polio has been eradicated in much of the world, it still persists in some countries and regions, and it is possible for it to be imported to areas where it has been eliminated.Unfortunately, neither polio nor post-polio syndrome can be treated, but the symptoms can be managed to improve quality of life.
You have the option to receive the Polio Shot as a standalone vaccine, not as part of a combination. Depending on the manufacturer, this vaccine can be given as early as the 2nd or 3rd month of life.
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Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a serious and potentially life-threatening disease that is spread through bacteria in the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. It is highly contagious and can affect all members of a household if they are not protected. Whooping cough can be a prolonged illness, lasting several weeks to months. It starts with flu-like symptoms that last about two weeks, followed by weeks of coughing fits that can lead to vomiting, especially at night. Recovery can take several more weeks. Infants are especially at risk for complications from whooping cough, with 15-20% of hospitalized patients (mostly unvaccinated young infants) developing pneumonia or otitis media. Seizures and death (occurring in about 1% of all sick children under 6 months old) are also possible. Coughing fits can also cause groin and rib fractures and can leave permanent damage to the lungs or bronchi.
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Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) is a serious bacterial infection that can be especially difficult for infants and young children to fight off. Fortunately, the Hib vaccine has been available for all infants since 1990 and has significantly reduced the number of serious cases. Hib bacteria are spread through coughing and sneezing or through contact with objects that are contaminated. In severe cases, Hib infection can lead to meningitis, inflammation of the epiglottis, pneumonia, or blood poisoning (sepsis). These conditions can be treated with antibiotics, but they can still be life-threatening, especially in the first year of life. Meningitis can cause permanent damage, and swelling of the epiglottis can cause suffocation and death.
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Hepatitis B is a viral infection that affects the liver and is spread through sexual contact and, in some cases, from mother to child during pregnancy or childbirth. While it is not as common as other infectious diseases, it can be serious and even become chronic. Vaccination in early childhood is the best way to protect against hepatitis B and ensure that teenagers are protected as well. Symptoms of hepatitis B may include flu-like symptoms, nausea, vomiting, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin). The infection can take months to heal and can become chronic, leading to ongoing damage to the liver and the ability to spread the infection to others.
Vaccines are an effective way to reduce the risk of infection and serious complications. If you have any questions or concerns don't hesitate to speak with your healthcare provider.
Resources:
https://www.impfen-info.de/impfempfehlungen/fuer-kinder-0-12-jahre/diphtherie/
https://www.impfen-info.de/impfempfehlungen/fuer-kinder-0-12-jahre/hepatitis-b/
https://www.impfen-info.de/impfempfehlungen/fuer-kinder-0-12-jahre/hib-haemophilus-influenzae-b/
https://www.impfen-info.de/impfempfehlungen/fuer-kinder-0-12-jahre/keuchhusten-pertussis/
https://www.impfen-info.de/impfempfehlungen/fuer-kinder-0-12-jahre/polio-kinderlaehmung/
https://www.impfen-info.de/impfempfehlungen/fuer-kinder-0-12-jahre/tetanus-wundstarrkrampf/
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