The average life expectancy of human beings has normally increased with the expansion of the field of application of modern medicine. Of course, one of the most important factors that increase the average life expectancy is the reduction of the infant mortality rate. Pharmacology; In other words, the development of pharmaceutical science in the last 100 years is considered a very serious breakthrough when the historical process is examined. At this point, the biochemistry sector is developing products integrated with Medicine. As we know, drugs are the products of this branch of science. Although the vaccine is also considered a medicine, it is essentially a preventive health element. Vaccination as a public policy encompasses mandatory practices for parents. Because, the most important way to guarantee the vital safety of babies is to vaccinate at the right time in accordance with the protocols. Compulsory vaccinations for babies are provided free of charge by health institutions. Parents should apply to the nearest health institution after birth to get information about the vaccination schedule and to perform vaccinations in accordance with the procedure. So what exactly does the vaccine do?
What is a vaccine?
Viruses and bacteria move freely in nature. These bacteria and viruses, which are constantly passing from human to human, animal to human, or any element in nature, are microorganisms that cannot be completely eliminated. However, our body has a mechanism that we call the immune system that will prevent these microorganisms from harming itself. This mechanism is in continuous operation and prevents microorganisms from negatively affecting our body. Moreover, many Microorganisms in nature are actually necessary for the vital functions of our body. The bacteria that make up the amine intestinal flora are the most important elements that ensure our survival. If we were in a state of war with all the bacteria in nature, it would most likely cause the disappearance of these beneficial bacteria and cause the extinction of all living things. Of course, practically this is not possible. Therefore, at the end of modern medicine, instead of fighting against bacteria and viruses chemically or biochemically, it is seen as a more reasonable solution to increase our body's ability to fight these elements. Vaccination is also a part of this process.
Babies are vulnerable creatures whose immune systems hardly work as of the moment they are born. In this case, while it can fight simple bacteria and viruses, it is not possible for some diseases to be eliminated by this non-existent immune system. Here, the vaccine is loaded on the baby as an external element that gives the body the ability to fight these diseases. Antibodies, which the body must fight to produce under normal conditions, are given artificially because the baby does not yet have a strong immune system at this level. As a result, viruses and bacteria, which in some cases may cost the baby's life, can be completely neutralized by the vaccination method.
When should vaccination be done?
From the day they are born, babies are naturally exposed to the attack of the harmful microorganisms we mentioned above. Therefore, the vaccination schedule starts at birth. The process that starts with the hepatitis vaccine immediately after birth; In the 2nd month, it continues with a repeat of the hepatitis vaccine. After the tuberculosis vaccine is given to the baby at the beginning of 3 months, mixed vaccines are given at 4 and 6 months. At the sixth month, the hepatitis vaccine should be renewed, along with the polio vaccine. After this period, the baby who reaches the 12th month is given the conjugated pneumococcal vaccine, as well as the varicella and mixed vaccines. As of 18 months, hepatitis A vaccine is given along with repeated combination vaccines and polio vaccine. Hepatitis is a type of vaccine that must be re-administered after 24 months. After this basic infant vaccination process, the mixed vaccines should be repeated around the age of 7, and the tetanus vaccine should be administered at the age of 14 at the latest.
What diseases do vaccines prevent?
Vaccines made within the programmed vaccination schedule mentioned above; It helps babies to gain resistance against pneumonia, diphtheria, tetanus, folio, hemophilus influenza, pertussis, measles, mumps, rubella, hepatitis, chicken pox, tuberculosis, acellular and chickenpox diseases. However, timely vaccinations are essential for their effectiveness. Delayed vaccination will be ineffective and will put the child's life at risk. Health centers, hospitals and Mother-Child Health polyclinics affiliated to the Ministry of Health provide free service for vaccination procedures and can guide you about the vaccination schedule.