There are many ways to protect your 1-year-old from injury and harm. One is to get your child vaccinated. Vaccination not only protects children from illness and disease, it also boosts their immune system. This protects the general public, as well. Some vaccines are administered singularly, while others are given as part of a group, which helps reduce the amount of doctor visits.
Varicella
Commonly referred to as the chickenpox vaccine, the varicella vaccination is given when your child is 12 to 15 months old, followed by a booster shot when your child is 4 to 6 years old. The vaccine has an 85 percent effective rate to protect little ones against this common, contagious disease. Children who catch chickenpox after vaccination may experience a less severe bout of the illness. Possible side effects include a rash or tenderness at the injection site, fever and a chickenpox-like illness. These symptoms should clear on their own within a couple of days.
Measles, Mumps, Rubella
The measles, mumps, rubella, or MMR, vaccine may protect your child from these illnesses for life. The first injection is administered to your child when he is 12 to 15 months old and the second when he is 4 to 6 years old. Although side effects are rare, some children may experience a rash at the injection site, which will clear up on its own. If your child complains of pain or fever, speak to your doctor to determine the appropriate dose of ibuprofen or acetaminophen to treat these symptoms.
Pneumococcal Vaccine
Administered as a series of four injections, your child will receive the pneumococcal vaccine, or PCV, at 2, 4, 6 and 12 to 15 months. The pneumococcal vaccine protects your child from pneumonia, blood infections and bacterial meningitis. According to KidsHealth.org, children under the age of two are at a higher risk of suffering from an illness caused by the pneumococcus bacterium. Children with certain health conditions including HIV/AIDS, sickle cell anemia or chronic heart or lung disease also may receive the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine, or PPV, when they are 24 months old or older.
Other Considerations
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, other recommended vaccines for 1-year-old children include hepatitis A and B, Haemophilus influenzae type B, diptheria, tetanus and pertussis and a polio vaccine. The organization also recommends yearly influenza shots starting as early as 6 months. If your child has missed any of these vaccines, speak to your doctor to set up a catch-up appointment.
