Some new parents may have some idea that their little one should receive vaccines, but they might not know that… the vaccination of the baby must be done according to the appropriate age, such as the rotavirus vaccine starting at 2 months old or the chickenpox vaccine between 9-12 months old, so that the baby’s immune system can function effectively, helping to protect against various serious diseases that may occur in children.
This is the reason… why babies should receive vaccines at the right age and time
- Vaccination scheduled according to age can appropriately stimulate the body’s immunity. The vaccination schedule for each age group is based on recommended vaccination tables such as CDC, Ministry of Public Health, and the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society of Thailand.
- Delayed vaccination may increase the baby’s risk of contracting various infections because the immune system is not strong enough. Timely vaccination helps protect the baby from serious diseases that may occur in children.
- The body needs time to build immunity against diseases and some vaccines require multiple doses. Therefore, vaccination should not be postponed beyond the recommended period. If necessary, consult a doctor.
- Some vaccines require booster shots or multiple doses to build effective immunity to protect the baby and to increase immunity that decreases over time.
- Vaccination is considered the most effective way to prevent various infectious diseases in the long term because although breast milk provides beneficial immunity, it cannot protect children from all infectious diseases.
- Children who do not receive vaccinations on schedule are not only at risk of getting sick themselves but can also spread illness to others. Therefore, babies should be vaccinated on time to help prevent the spread of disease to others.
Dr. Renuka Charaspongpisut
Specialist in Pediatric Neurology
Child and Adolescent Health Center, Phyathai 2 Hospital
