Every day, children are at risk of contracting dangerous infectious diseases that can be prevented by simple immunizations. While the decision to vaccinate is often accompanied by fears and myths, the reality remains that vaccinations are crucial for the health of children. Health of young children. Parents should familiarize themselves with the recommendations and facts in order to make informed decisions.
Vaccinations work by Immune system stimulate the production of antibodies against certain pathogens. In this way, they protect children from serious diseases such as measles, mumps and whooping cough. These diseases were widespread in the past and can have serious health consequences, which is why understanding their importance for children's health is essential.
In this article, you'll learn all about immunization recommendations for young children, from the most common infectious diseases to safety concerns around vaccines. We look at the different vaccination strategies and their impact on public health. Healthto provide you with the best possible information.
Vaccinations and infectious diseases in children
Vaccinations are crucial to protect children from preventable diseases. They strengthen the Immune system and help prevent infectious diseases such as measles and whooping cough. These diseases are very contagious and can have serious consequences.
Recommended vaccinations for children:
- Hepatitis B vaccine (from Birth)
- Measles, mumps and rubella
- Whooping cough
Vaccinations are not only important for the child. They also protect others, such as pregnant women and people with weak immune systems. Immune system. The Robert Koch Institute recommends a vaccination calendar that Birth and continues throughout childhood.
Advantages of vaccination:
- Protection against serious infections
- Reducing the outbreak of preventable diseases
- Milder course of the disease in the event of infection, for example with Influenza
Millions of children worldwide benefit from the positive effects of vaccination. This effective method reduces complications and keeps Health of the children are stable. Remember: Vaccination is an important step in the prevention of infectious diseases.
What are vaccinations and how do they work?
Vaccinations are an important form of protection for children against infectious diseases. They work by activating the body's natural defenses. As a result, the Immune system prepared for certain diseases and can react more quickly and effectively.
How do vaccinations work?
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trigger an immune reaction: A vaccination triggers an immune reaction against certain pathogens.
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Preparation: The Immune system learns to recognize and fight the pathogens.
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Long-term protection: On contact with the actual pathogen, the body is prepared and can quickly fight off the disease.
To ensure reliable protection, several partial vaccinations are necessary. These are carried out at certain intervals according to the Robert Koch Institute's vaccination calendar. Basic immunization usually begins from the 6th week of life and should be completed by the 15th month of life.
Vaccination calendar (example for basic immunization)
Age of the child
|
Vaccinations against
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6 weeks
|
Diphtheria, tetanus
|
3 months
|
Whooping cough, HIB
|
6 months
|
Hepatitis B, Polio
|
Immunizations are essential to prevent serious infections and to prevent the Health of the children.
Why are vaccinations important for children?
Vaccinations are one of the most effective measures to protect children from serious infectious diseases such as measles, diphtheria and whooping cough. Every year, around 1.5 million children under the age of five die from preventable diseases.
Advantages of vaccinations:
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Individual protectionVaccinated children are protected against serious infections.
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Community protectionVaccinations prevent the spread of diseases that could potentially endanger older or weaker people.
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Crisis areasVaccinations are vital in areas with poor health care.
Table: Some recommended vaccinations for children
Illness
|
Recommended vaccination
|
Measles
|
Vaccination against measles
|
Mumps
|
Vaccination against mumps
|
Diphtheria
|
Diphtheria vaccination
|
Vaccinations are important for the Health of children is essential. They prevent the outbreak of dangerous infectious diseases that can cause serious complications. Strong vaccination coverage ensures the protection of society as a whole.
Common infectious diseases in children
Children are particularly susceptible to infectious diseases. These diseases are often highly contagious and are spread by Viruses or bacteria. Typical symptoms include Fever and skin rashes. For example, chickenpox leads to itchy, red blisters, while measles causes red spots. Close contact, such as in nurseries or schools, encourages the spread. Vaccination offers the best protection so that outbreaks occur less frequently.
Measles
Measles is one of the most contagious diseases. It can cause serious complications such as inflammation of the brain. These are rare, but sometimes fatal. The recommended vaccination schedule comprises two stages: The first dose is given between 11 and 14 months of age. A second vaccination follows up to the age of two. According to the Measles Protection Act, children must provide proof of immunity before attending kindergarten or school. At least 95 percent of the population should be vaccinated in order to prevent the spread of the disease. The MMR vaccination also protects against measles, mumps and rubella.
Mumps
Mumps is an acute infectious disease transmitted by the mumps virus. It spreads via droplet infection. The first symptoms include loss of strength, loss of appetite and Fever. Painful swelling of the parotid glands occurs later. While mumps is often mild in children, unvaccinated adolescents and young adults have an increased risk of more severe consequences, such as hearing loss. The MMR vaccination, which also protects against measles and rubella, is recommended.
Rubella
Rubella is caused by Viruses and begin with cold symptoms such as Cough and Common cold. This is followed by a Skin rash with bright red spots that can spread from the ear over the body. The infection is often asymptomatic. However, an infection can be dangerous for pregnant women as it can lead to miscarriages or deformities. In children, the symptoms are usually mild and do not require special treatment.
Whooping cough
Whooping cough is caused by bacteria. Initially, the symptoms resemble a Coldbefore spasmodic coughing fits and shortness of breath occur. Whooping cough is particularly dangerous for babies, which is why hospitalization may be necessary. The STIKO recommends vaccinating babies from the age of two months. In childhood and adolescence, two booster vaccinations are necessary to maintain protection. Vaccination is important to prevent severe cases.
Vaccination recommendations and vaccination calendar
The vaccination calendar of the Standing Committee on Vaccination (STIKO) specifies the right time for standard vaccinations from infants to senior citizens. It is updated every year. The first vaccination for newborns is given as early as the sixth week of life.
Vaccinations are an important topic during the check-ups in the yellow U-booklet. The vaccination schedule is often drawn up here. The STIKO also recommends passive immunization with monoclonal antibodies. This helps to prevent severe RSV infections in newborns and infants during their first RSV season.
Although many vaccinations are voluntary in Germany, measles vaccination has been compulsory since 2020. This protects children from life-threatening diseases.
Important vaccinations for children
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Measles (compulsory vaccination)
- Mumps
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RSV (passive immunization recommended)
It is important to follow the immunization schedule to protect children from preventable infectious diseases.
The Measles Protection Act: significance and effects
The Measles Protection Act requires parents to provide proof of measles vaccination before their children attend institutions such as kindergarten or school. Measles is one of the most contagious infectious diseases and can cause serious complications in children.
The aim of the law is to increase immunization protection in community facilities. Children from the age of one must be immunized against measles. This can be done through a vaccination or, in rare cases, through proof of having survived measles.
A lack of proof of vaccination can lead to fines. Employees in facilities with children also need this proof of vaccination.
The Federal Institute for Public Health recommends this vaccination to prevent the spread of the disease. So the Health important groups, especially children and vulnerable people, are protected.
Advantages of the Measles Protection Act:
- Promotes the Health in community facilities.
- Reduces the risk of preventable diseases.
- Protects vaccinated people and the general public.
Proof of vaccination is essential to ensure protection. This law is an important step towards increasing the general Health and security.
Safety and efficacy of vaccines
Vaccines are one of the most effective means of combating infectious diseases. Before a vaccine comes to market, it must undergo rigorous safety testing. These tests include clinical trials to ensure that the vaccine is both safe and effective.
Even after approval, vaccines continue to be monitored. This is done to ensure their long-term tolerability. No vaccine can guarantee to be 100 percent safe or effective. However, the risk of serious complications is extremely rare and far lower than the risk of serious illness from unvaccinated diseases.
Common concerns about vaccinations
Parents often have questions about the safety of vaccinations. Despite extensive research and monitoring by institutions such as the CDC, uncertainty remains.
Many fear side effects and are therefore reluctant to vaccinate their children. Nevertheless, the benefits of vaccination generally outweigh the potential risks. Refusal to vaccinate can lead to outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases. STIKO publishes vaccination recommendations to ensure that children are protected against dangerous diseases.
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Advantages of vaccines:
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- Protection against serious infections
- Prevention of disease outbreaks
- Community health protection
The autism myth and vaccines
The belief that vaccines cause autism is widespread, but false. Studies worldwide show no such link. The origin of this concern was a flawed report from 1998 based on only 12 children.
Extensive studies, including one involving 537,303 Danish children, have shown that vaccinated children do not have a higher risk of autism than non-vaccinated children. Looking at 440,655 vaccinated children, autism cases occurred in 0.138 percent compared to 0.135 percent in unvaccinated children.
The scientific community agrees: vaccines do not cause autism. Facts and research support this finding.
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Key studies:
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- reported in 1998, refuted by larger studies
- Danish study with over 500,000 children
- Consistent evidence in millions of children worldwide
The evidence shows that the vaccination myth is unfounded and that vaccinations are safe, necessary and effective.
Vaccination strategies to improve the Health from children
Vaccinations are crucial to protect children from contagious infectious diseases. Diseases such as measles, chickenpox and whooping cough can have serious consequences. An effective immunization strategy can save millions of children's lives. Every year, around 1.5 million children under the age of five die from preventable diseases.
Vaccination programs are particularly important in crisis areas. They are cost-effective compared to the high cost of treatment. Vaccinations also reduce the transmission of diseases such as Influenza to other age groups. This improves the general Health the community.
Compliance with current vaccination recommendations is crucial. This gives children adequate protection against dangerous infections at an early age. There is often no suitable treatment for some diseases, which makes vaccinations all the more important.
Recommended vaccinations:
- Measles
- Mumps
- Rubella
- Whooping cough
Vaccinations to protect the Health are an important aspect for parents. Ask your pediatrician about your child's vaccination status. This way you can prevent serious infections and avoidable illnesses.
The influence of vaccinations on public health Health
Vaccinations are crucial for public health Health. They increase the proportion of the population that is immune, which contributes to community protection. This also protects those who cannot be vaccinated. Low vaccination rates lead to more outbreaks of disease, especially among vulnerable groups such as immunosuppressed people.
Thanks to vaccinations, millions of children's lives are saved every year. They activate the Immune system and prepare it for future disease outbreaks.
In order to implement vaccination programs effectively, the cost-benefit ratio must be carefully evaluated. Scientific recommendations are of great importance in order to provide all important vaccinations.
Herd immunity is achieved when a large proportion of the population is vaccinated. This provides indirect protection for newborns and people with certain immunocompromising conditions.
Advantages of vaccinations:
- Protection against preventable diseases
- Reduce serious infections
- Reduce the risk of infection
Challenges:
- Missing vaccinations
- Increase in preventable infectious diseases
Vaccination is an important step towards better health protection. Health for all.
How vaccinations help to prevent outbreaks
Vaccinations are crucial for building up protection against serious infections at an early stage. They prevent outbreaks of dangerous diseases. Despite the availability of vaccines, there are outbreaks of highly contagious diseases such as measles, mumps and rubella. These diseases spread quickly among unvaccinated children.
The Standing Committee on Vaccination (STIKO) recommends that vaccinations should be given only a few weeks after the Birth to start with the basic immunization. This is particularly important as some diseases can be more severe in the early stages of life.
One example of an important vaccination is the 6-fold vaccine. It protects against several infectious diseases at the same time and thus promotes vaccination readiness and herd immunity. High vaccination rates have also helped to significantly reduce serious diseases such as polio and diphtheria.
Recommended vaccinations:
Vaccination
|
Diseases
|
6-fold vaccine
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Diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, polio, Hib, hepatitis B
|
MMR vaccination
|
Measles, mumps, rubella
|
Through these effective vaccinations, preventable diseases can be controlled, which reduces the Health protects children. Vaccinations are therefore of great importance in preventing outbreaks.
Conclusion: Vaccinations as a protective measure for children and communities
Vaccinations are one of the most effective measures to protect children from serious infectious diseases. These include measles, diphtheria and whooping cough. The Standing Committee on Vaccination (STIKO) recommends starting basic immunizations for infants and young children at an early age.
Some vaccines are available as combination vaccines. Several infectious diseases can be combated with a single vaccination. This simplifies the vaccination process. Vaccinations not only protect children, but also vulnerable groups in the community. These include pregnant women and people with weakened Immune system.
Although serious infectious diseases have become less common, their pathogens are still a threat. Vaccinations offer the best protection in the development of children. Comprehensive immunizations help to prevent avoidable diseases and thus protect millions of children worldwide.
Recommended vaccinations:
- Measles
- Mumps
- Rubella
- Diphtheria
- Tetanus
Overall, vaccinations are crucial for the Health of children and the entire community. They ensure that serious infectious diseases are effectively contained.
Vaccination against rotavirus diseases (vomiting diarrhea)
Vaccination against rotavirus disease is an important measure to protect infants. It is offered as part of the free vaccination program and can be administered from the 6th week of life.
Oral vaccination details:
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Vaccine: Oral vaccination
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Number of doses: Two partial vaccinations
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Distance between the cans: At least four weeks
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Completion of the vaccination series: By the 24th week at the latest
The rotavirus vaccinations are discussed during the check-ups in the yellow U-booklet and are often carried out directly. One Contagion with rotaviruses can lead to severe diarrhea, which is particularly dangerous in infants.
Advantages of vaccination:
- Protection against severe diarrhea
- Reduction of the burden of disease in the first months of life
It is important to complete the vaccination series on time to provide the best possible protection. Parents should consult their pediatrician about the recommended vaccinations to effectively prevent preventable diseases.
6 vaccinations against diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, polio, Haemophilus influenzae B, hepatitis B
The 6-vaccination is an important protection for infants and young children. It protects against six serious infectious diseases: Diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough (pertussis), polio (poliomyelitis), Haemophilus influenzae type B (HiB) and hepatitis B.
In Austria, this combined vaccination is part of the free vaccination program. Parents therefore do not have to worry about financial burdens. It is recommended that these vaccinations are administered early in order to provide the best protection.
The advantage of the 6-way vaccination is that it can be given in a single session. This reduces the number of visits to the doctor and increases the willingness to be vaccinated. Combination vaccines such as the 6-vaccine are just as well tolerated as single vaccinations.
Advantages of the 6-fold vaccination:
- Protection against six infectious diseases
- Available free of charge in Austria
- Fewer visits to the doctor necessary
- High willingness to vaccinate
The broad protection offered by this vaccination can successfully prevent many preventable diseases in children.
Vaccination against pneumococci
Vaccination against pneumococcus is included in the free vaccination program for children aged two months and over. This vaccination offers protection against serious infections such as pneumonia and meningitis. It is part of a combination vaccination that also covers diphtheria, whooping cough, tetanus, Haemophilus influenzae B and hepatitis B.
Pneumococci can cause dangerous infections in infants. This is why the first vaccination is recommended as early as two months of age. This strengthens the Immune system early.
Typical reactions to the pneumococcal vaccination include:
- Temporary Redness or swelling at the injection site
- Lightweight Fever
- Tiredness
Parents should know that these reactions are normal and quickly subside.
Here is an overview of the important combination vaccination:
Illness
|
Protection through combined vaccination
|
Diphtheria
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Yes
|
Whooping cough
|
Yes
|
Tetanus
|
Yes
|
Haemophilus influenzae B
|
Yes
|
Hepatitis B
|
Yes
|
The pneumococcal vaccination is important for the Health of children to avoid serious infections. Talk to your doctor for more information on the recommended vaccinations.
Vaccination against measles, mumps, rubella
Vaccination against measles, mumps and rubella (MMR vaccination) is an important measure to prevent serious infections in children. This triple vaccination is administered in two doses. The first dose is given at the end of the first year of life, the second in the second year.
There is also the option of a quadruple vaccination (MMRV), which also protects against chickenpox. As there is no single vaccine for mumps and rubella, these vaccinations are only given as part of the MMR vaccination. A theoretical single vaccine exists for measles, but this must be imported.
MMR vaccination Advantages:
- Protects against three contagious infectious diseases
- Reduces the risk of breakouts
- Increases the Health of vaccinated children
Vaccinations are one of the most effective ways to combat preventable diseases. Parents should ask their doctor about the recommended vaccinations in order to avoid the Health of their children.
Important points:
- Two vaccinations are necessary
- Protection also possible against chickenpox
- Individual vaccinations mostly not available
Regular information on vaccinations promotes knowledge of these life-saving measures.
Vaccination against Influenza (Real Flu)
The vaccination against Influenza is the best protection against the real Flu. It is very effective and well tolerated, which makes it a recommended vaccination for children. Vaccinated people who nevertheless fall ill often have a milder course of the disease. The duration of the illness is also usually shorter.
Children play an important role in spreading the Influenza. By vaccinating them, we can reduce illness in other age groups. An annual flu vaccination is recommended to minimize the risk of serious infections. Vaccinations not only protect vaccinated children, but also people who cannot be vaccinated.
Advantages of the Influenza-vaccination in children:
- Reduction of severe disease progression
- Protection of other age groups
- Milder course of the disease
Vaccination can therefore help to control preventable diseases and reduce Health of many people. Regular information on vaccinations helps parents to make important decisions.
Which diseases can be prevented by vaccines?
Vaccines are crucial for protecting children against many preventable infectious diseases. The most important vaccinations include those against measles, chickenpox, diphtheria, mumps and whooping cough. They protect against serious infections and prevent them from spreading.
The flu vaccination is particularly valuable. It not only protects vaccinated children, but also reduces virus transmission in other age groups.
There are also vaccines against hepatitis A and B and the human papillomavirus (HPV). These help to prevent serious health problems.
Pneumococcal vaccines are also important. They prevent dangerous diseases such as meningitis, pneumonia and ear infections.
Vaccinations are safe and undergo strict safety tests. So the Health children are protected.
Preventable diseases through vaccinations
- Measles
- Mumps
- Chickenpox
- Whooping cough
- Diphtheria
- Flu
- Hepatitis A and B
- HPV
- Pneumococcal diseases
Parents should obtain information on vaccinations and follow the recommended vaccinations. This not only protects their children, but also the community from preventable diseases.
If the infections are rare, why should I have my child vaccinated?
Even though infectious diseases such as polio and diphtheria are rare in Europe, they can return through travelers. Vaccinations therefore remain important.
Why vaccinate?
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Protection of the childVaccinations not only protect the vaccinated child from serious infections, but also contribute to herd immunity.
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Indirect protectionHerd immunity : Herd immunity offers protection for people who cannot be vaccinated, such as certain sick people.
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Combination vaccinesThese provide protection against several diseases. This reduces the number of vaccinations required and the stress for the child.
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Avoidance of serious illnessesVaccinations significantly reduce the risk of serious diseases such as measles. Some disease transmissions go unnoticed.
Important vaccinations
Despite the rarity of infectious diseases, many millions of children worldwide remain at risk of missing out on vaccinations. Vaccinations are essential for protection during pandemics and contribute to global Health with. The Robert Koch Institute emphasizes the importance of the recommended and effective vaccinations.
Are vaccines safe?
Vaccines are considered to be very safe. They undergo strict safety tests before they are approved for the public. Only vaccines that meet the highest quality and safety standards are registered and sold in Germany.
How are vaccines tested?
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Clinical tests: Vaccines undergo extensive clinical testing before approval.
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Continuous monitoring: After approval, tolerability is monitored further.
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Recording of complications: Every serious complication is recorded and analyzed in detail.
Common side effects:
However, more serious complications are very rare. The possibility of vaccine-preventable diseases having serious consequences is much higher than the risk of vaccine complications. Millions of children worldwide benefit from vaccinations that protect them from preventable infectious diseases.
Can vaccines make my child autistic?
There is no known link between vaccines and autism. Numerous studies worldwide support this finding. Vaccinated children are not more likely to develop autism than unvaccinated children.
Study results:
- A study of 440,655 vaccinated children showed that only 0.138% were affected by autism.
- With 96,648 unvaccinated children, this proportion was 0.135% and therefore almost identical.
A significant follow-up study from Denmark examined 657,461 children. It was found that the MMR vaccine did not increase the risk of autism.
The study, which originally suggested a link between the MMR vaccine and autism, has significant scientific flaws. It is being questioned by specialist groups worldwide.
Conclusion:
Vaccinations are safe. They are crucial for protection against preventable diseases. Parents should therefore not worry without good reason.
Where the vaccination recommendations come from
The vaccination recommendations for children come from the Standing Committee on Vaccination (STIKO). This independent panel of experts assesses the benefits and risks of each vaccination using the latest scientific research. The experts decide which vaccinations protect against mainly serious diseases that are not always without consequences.
The following points are important:
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Targeted vaccinationsThe recommended vaccinations are aimed at diseases that can be severe.
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Assumption of costs: Statutory and private health insurance companies cover the costs of recommended vaccinations if the tariff provides for this.
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Information onDetailed information can be found in the BZgA topic portal at www.impfen-info.de.
It is important for parents and caregivers to find out about recommended vaccinations. In this way, the protection of the Health and preventable diseases can be contained.
The pathogens that cause dangerous infectious diseases still exist
Infectious diseases such as measles, mumps and rubella are not harmless. They can cause serious complications, such as inflammation of the middle ear, lungs or brain. This is why recommended vaccinations are crucial.
A current example is polio. Despite rare cases in this country, vaccinations against polio are important. Attenuated forms of polio viruses have been detected in sewage. Travelers could bring the virus to Germany. This emphasizes the importance of vaccination against this preventable disease.
Unvaccinated children have a higher risk of transmission. This puts unprotected people at risk and makes community protection necessary. The STIKO reminds people of the importance of vaccinations in order to build up protective barriers.
Pathogens and recommended vaccinations:
Pathogen
|
Recommended vaccination
|
Measles
|
Vaccination against measles
|
Mumps
|
Vaccination against mumps
|
Poliovirus
|
Vaccination against polio
|
The Health of millions of children around the world depends on effective immunizations. Protect your children and others by keeping up with all recommended immunizations.
Source: istockphoto
SrdjanPav
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