early childhood immunizations :: Article CreatorWhat Is The Link Between Immunisation And Child Development? Know How Vaccines Keep Kids Healthy
New Delhi:
Childhood is a crucial period for growth, learning, and development. During these early years, children are at a higher risk of suffering from infections because their immune systems are still developing. Undoubtedly, vaccination is one of the most effective ways to protect children from life-threatening diseases and improve their quality of life. By preventing illnesses that can delay or disrupt development, vaccines help children grow healthy. So, parents should ensure that their children receive their vaccines on time to safeguard their health. Know about the benefits of vaccination for children.
Which vaccines are important for children?
According to Dr AmarBhise, consultant—PICU (paediatric intensive care unit), neonatology, paediatrics, Motherhood Hospitals, Lullanagar, Pune, several vaccines are given during infancy and early childhood to protect against serious diseases.
Hepatitis B Vaccine: Shields children from liver infections caused by the hepatitis B virus.
DTP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis): Prevents three dangerous infections like diphtheria, whooping cough, and tetanus with this vaccine.Polio Vaccine: Helps to protect against poliomyelitis, which can lead to paralysis. It is necessary to get the child vaccinated as per the expert's advice, as many patients tend to miss the vaccination.Flu shot: It is also imperative for children to stay healthy and hearty. MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella): Offers protection against three contagious viral diseases and will reduce the chances of any complications. Rotavirus Vaccine: Helps prevent severe diarrhoea in infants and young children.Pneumococcal Vaccine: Reduces the risk of pneumonia, meningitis, and bloodstream infections.
How do vaccines keep children healthy?
Vaccines function by priming a child's immune system to identify and combat particular pathogens without actually causing the illness. When a child receives a vaccination, their body creates antibodies that help them fend off infections later in life. Less time spent in the hospital, less time missed from school, and more uninterrupted time for kids to develop, play, and learn are all benefits of illness prevention. In addition to being potentially fatal, illnesses like measles or meningitis can harm a child's brain, hearing, or physical development for a long time. Recall that vaccination helps create herd immunity, or community protection, which keeps even those who cannot receive vaccinations safe. Thus, parents provide their children with the best start in life by ensuring they receive the recommended vaccinations on time.
Disclaimer: (The tips suggested in this article are for general information only. Consult your doctor before starting any fitness program related to health or making any changes in your diet or taking any remedy related to any disease. India TV does not confirm the authenticity of any claim.)
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As Measles Spreads To Another State, How Early Can Babies Be Vaccinated?
The Indiana Department of Health reported its first confirmed case of measles in the state since early 2024.
Officials said the child from Allen County, which includes Fort Wayne, had not been vaccinated. The patient is recovering, and no other information will be shared to protect their privacy, officials said.
This is the first case of measles in Indiana since it was detected in a Lake County resident in early 2024, according to IDOH.
RELATED STORYSecond child died from measles-related causes in West Texas, where cases are nearing 500
As of April 3, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports a total of 607 confirmed measles cases in 27 states, not including Indiana. Two children have died from measles-related illnesses in Texas, where a growing outbreak has infected hundreds of people. This week, the outbreak totals more than 500 cases, with two additional counties seeing cases.
The Texas Department of State Health Services says a majority of those impacted were not vaccinated.
Children are routinely vaccinated for measles at 12 to 15 months and again at 4 to 6 years of age — before going to kindergarten, but children as young as 6 months old can receive the measles vaccine if they are at risk.
If a child gets a vaccine before 12 months of age, they should also plan to get two more doses on the usual schedule, with the first being at 12 to 15 months.
Health officials say measles begins with a fever, cough, runny nose and red eyes about 7 to 14 days after exposure.
Adults are encouraged to check with their health care providers to ensure vaccinations are up to date.
This story was originally published by the Scripps News Group in Indianapolis.
RELATED STORYCan adults get a measles shot if they don't know their childhood vaccine status?
Copyright 2025 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Minnesota Health Officials Looking To Reverse A Decline In Childhood Immunizations
ST. PAUL, Minn. – This is Infant Immunization Week in Minnesota.
"Childhood immunizations are a cornerstone of public health, protecting our youngest from devastating diseases like pertussis (whooping cough) and measles that have been on the rise across the country," says Jessica Hancock-Allen, director of the Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Prevention and Control Division at the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH). "Getting recommended immunizations by 2 years of age not only saves individual lives but also protects entire communities by preventing outbreaks."
MDH says 69% of Minnesota's 2-year-olds were up to date for recommended immunizations in 2019, but that rate fell to 63% by 2023.
"Protecting babies starts even before they are born with maternal vaccines helping to shield newborns in those critical first few months," says Dr. Jessica Najarian-Bell, MD, physician director at CentraCare's Plaza Pediatric Clinic. "Immunizations are one of the most powerful tools we have to protect children from serious, sometimes life-threatening diseases before they are ever exposed."
Health officials are encouraging parents to take these action steps:
- Check your child's immunization record to see what vaccines your child has received and what vaccines they may need. Visit Find My Immunization Record for more information.
- Contact your child's health care provider to schedule a Well-child Visit and Immunizations.
- Be informed. Talk to your child's health care provider about any questions and concerns you have. You can find more information about immunizations at Reliable Sources of Immunization Information.
- If your child does not have health insurance or if insurance may not cover all the costs, you can find a clinic that offers Free or Low-Cost Shots for Children on Vaccine Map.
- If you are pregnant, talk to your doctor about vaccines recommended during pregnancy.
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