Vaccinating children on time is crucial, especially in their early years. Infants and young children who have not been immunized are at risk of contracting a wide variety of serious infections.
Let’s learn 6-in-1 vaccine for infants in detail.
What Is 6 In 1 Vaccination?
The 6-in-1 vaccine is a combination shot that protects babies from 6 diseases with just one shot. It is also one of the initial vaccinations that your infant will receive.
It is administered as a single shot to protect against six major pediatric illnesses:
- Diphtheria
- tetanus
- pertussis (whooping cough)
- poliomyelitis
- influenza type B Haemophilus
- hepatitis B
Compared to receiving multiple vaccinations, fewer needle pricks are required, but the level of protection is maintained.
Benefits Of The 6-In-1 Vaccine
The 6-in-1 vaccine is suitable for babies and their parents in many ways.
The Positive Effects on Infants-
- Consistent safety at the right time
- Fewer needle sticks
- Fewer injections, less pain
Positive Effects on Children and Their Parents-
- More convenience
- Fewer doctor visits
- Fewer days off from work or family commitments
FAQ
How is the 6-in-1 vaccination given?
The 6-in-1 vaccine is injected into the thigh of your infant.
When Should Infants Receive The 6-In-1 Vaccine?
The 6-in-1 vaccine is administered to infants at 8, 12, and 16 weeks of age.
The vaccination must be administered in three doses to ensure that the receiver develops a strong immunity to the diseases it prevents.
Your infant's immunological response rises with each subsequent vaccination dosage.
How effective is the 6-in-1 vaccine?
The 6-in-1 vaccine proved effective. It protects against infections like diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, Hib, polio, and hepatitis B.
How is 6-in-1 vaccine safety?
The vaccination is completely safe. The vaccine is inactivated, which means it does not contain any living organisms. Therefore there is no risk of your child contracting the diseases from it.
Are there any adverse reactions to the 6-in-1 vaccine?
The 6-in-1 vaccination has few adverse reactions.
Some common reactions are-
- ache, redness, and swelling at the injection site
- loss of hunger
- high temperature (more common after the 2nd and 3rd doses)
- irritability
- strange, high-pitched crying or fits or seizures (rarely)
- Very rarely can a newborn receiving the 6-in-1 vaccination experience a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)
The 6-in-1 vaccine plus additional vaccinations.
It is safe for your infant to receive the 6-in-1 vaccine along with other vaccines, including the rotavirus vaccine, pneumococcal vaccine, and MenB vaccine.
Are there infants who should not receive the 6-in-1 vaccination?
The majority of infants can receive the 6-in-1 vaccine, although there are a few exceptions, including-
- Is allergic to the vaccine.
- Have a fever at the appointment – wait till they recover.
- Have a severe neurological problem, such as epilepsy, visit a professional.
- Babies who have experienced an extreme allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to a previous dose of the 6-in-1 vaccine or any component of the vaccine, even if present in minute quantities, such as neomycin, streptomycin, or polymyxin B, should not get additional doses of the vaccine.
- If your child has a history of febrile convulsions or has a seizure within 72 hours of receiving a previous dose of the vaccine, you should seek advice from your doctor, nurse, or health visitor.
There is no need to delay vaccinations if your infant has a minor sickness, such as a cough or a cold without a fever.
If you skip your appointment for six vaccinations at once?
It is optimal for your infant to have the 6-in-1 vaccine at the prescribed age to protect them against severe medical conditions as soon as possible.
It is never too late for your child to receive the 6-in-1 vaccine if they have missed a vaccination appointment. Schedule an appointment with your family doctor or the pediatric clinic.
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