It was not so long ago that parents would be terrified of their children catching such crippling and sometimes fatal diseases as Polio (for which there is no cure) and Diphtheria. There was also concern for the less serious, but nevertheless dangerous infections like Measles and Mumps.
Today, thanks to the marvels of modern day medicine, we now have at our disposal a broad range of safe and effective vaccines which aid in the prevention of these and other viral or bacterial infections, from taking those precious lives from us so unexpectedly.
For some, the intricasies of immunisation may appear overwhelmingly complicated, and they are to a certain degree. It is important though for us to understand how things work in this area of medicine, after all, little lives are at stake.
First of all let's clarify the differences between some of the terms used in the prevention of these diseases. The terms that seem to have most people confused are inoculation, vaccination and immunisation. All three (3) techniques build the body's defenses against specific diseases, but in slightly different ways.
Inoculation is the intentional introduction of harmless bacteria or viruses into the body to stimulate the production of antibodies, our natural disease-fighting substances. Vaccination refers only to the introduction of Smallpox ( a deadly disease which was eradicated by the World Health Organisation by 1979) vaccine via a scratch on the skin. The most common term used today, immunisation, is the process of providing immunity, or a protected state, by means of inoculation (shots) or vaccination. Repeated inoculations or boosters may be required at various ages, or under various circumstances, to stimulate the existing immunity.
Next let's look at the two (2) different types of immunity a person can have. Active and Passive. When the body produces antibodies against a specific disease, whether it be from developing and then recovering from the disease or from being given a vaccine of live or dead organisms, this is called active immunity. Passive immunity, on the other hand, occurs when antibodies are transferred from a person who has active immunity against a certain disease to someone who doesn't. This can be achieved in two (2) ways: naturally, from mother to foetus, or by inoculation.
So, why is it then, that your child still needs to be immunised even though your immunity has been passed onto them while still in the womb? The answer is simple. While passive immunity provides some protection against the disease it is not foolproof, and not considered anywhere near as effective as active. The reason for this is because if you have not had the disease, or been immunised, the antibodies your child receives from you will only provide a temporary protection and will not stand up to an onslaught of the disease.
So, to ensure the ongoing health and well-being of your child, it is imperative that you keep all their immunisations up-to-date. There is no investment that will provide you with as many priceless rewards as that of a child, and no, more devastating experience than having your child fall prey to a disease that could have been prevented.
Below is a chart of Government Funded immunisations that your child should have, and the ages they should have them.
Birth
2 Months
4 Months
6 Months
12 Months
18 Months
4 Years
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