Vaccinations are a way of avoiding infectious diseases that, especially in young children, can have a severe course and cause dangerous complications. In addition to the compulsory vaccinations that are given to every child, there are also recommended vaccinations that significantly extend a child's protection against dangerous diseases.
Table of contents:
- What are the recommended vaccinations for children?
- Meningococcus
- Chickenpox
- Viral hepatitis A (VH A)
- Influenza
- Tick-borne encephalitis
What are the recommended vaccinations for children?
Recommended vaccinations include vaccination against:
- meningococcal group B, C and/or ACWY,
- chickenpox
- influenza,
- hepatitis A (VH type A),
- tick-borne encephalitis.
Meningococcus
Meningococcus is the common name for the bacteria that cause invasive meningococcal disease (IChM). It usually takes the form of sepsis or sepsis with meningitis.
There are more than a dozen meningococcal serogroups, but most infections are caused by groups A, B, C, Y and W. In particular, meningococcal serogroup B is responsible for infections in children under one year of age (up to 80% of cases in Poland).
The onset of invasive meningococcal disease may resemble the common cold or flu, which is why it is so difficult to diagnose at an early stage. However, the course of this disease is very rapid and can lead to death within 24 hours. Late diagnosis means an increased risk of mortality and permanent complications such as mental retardation, epilepsy, deafness or limb amputations.
The most effective form of protection is vaccination, which can start as early as 2 months of age. There is no upper age limit; vaccination is also recommended for children in community settings (nurseries, kindergartens).
Chickenpox
Chickenpox is a common infectious disease manifested by vesicular skin eruptions filled with serous fluid. The eruptions may be accompanied by malaise and fever. The disease is not always benign; there is a risk of dangerous complications such as encephalitis, viral meningitis, bacterial pneumonia or secondary skin infection that can leave unsightly scars. The disease is very dangerous for pregnant women and also for the foetus.
According to the Polish Vaccination Programme, vaccination against chickenpox is obligatory and free of charge for:
- children at risk up to the age of 12,
- children up to the age of 3 attending nurseries/children's clubs; children from children's homes and long-term care up to the age of 12.
For other children, vaccination is recommended and paid for. It can be started at the earliest after the age of 9 months. Adults can also be vaccinated, and up to 72 hours after contact with a sick person.
Viral hepatitis A (VH A)
Viralhepatitis A is also known as foodbornehepatitis. The virus causing this disease spreads easily in human clusters. Infection occurs mainly via the oral route and symptoms include yellowing of the skin, fever, nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine and discoloured stool.
Vaccination can be given after the age of one year.
Vaccinating a child, photo: panthermedia
Influenza
Influenza is a highly contagious, droplet-borne illness. It usually manifests itself through malaise, muscle and joint pains, high fever that can last for several days, and respiratory symptoms such as a runny nose and cough. Flu complications are very dangerous: pneumonia, middle ear inflammation and even myocarditis.
Flu vaccination can be given after the age of six months and can be repeated in subsequent flu seasons.
Tick-borne encephalitis
The source of infection is a tick bite, which carries the virus responsible for tick-borne encephalitis. It is a serious disease of the nervous system and leads to long-term complications, e.g. speech disorders, balance disorders, memory impairment, permanent paralysis and even death. After contracting the disease, children have been observed with headaches, memory and concentration problems, hypersensitivity to smells and sounds, disorientation in the dark, sleep disorders, nystagmus, dysphasia.
Vaccination can be started after the age of 1 year. There is no upper age limit; booster doses should be given every few years.
