As a parent, you want to do everything you can to keep your child healthy and protected. Part of that means making sure they get all the recommended vaccines. One of the most important series of vaccines is the 18-month vaccines.
The 18-month vaccines protect your child from a number of serious diseases, including measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), polio, and chickenpox. These diseases can cause serious health problems, including hospitalization, disability, and even death. The 18-month vaccines are safe and effective, and they can help protect your child from these dangerous diseases.
In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about the 18-month vaccines, including what they are, why they are important, and what to expect during the appointment.
18 month vaccines
Protect your child from serious diseases.
- Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR)
- Polio
- Chickenpox
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Meningitis
- Pneumococcal disease
- Rotavirus
Safe and effective.
Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR)
The MMR vaccine is a combination vaccine that protects against three serious diseases: measles, mumps, and rubella. These diseases are all highly contagious and can cause serious health problems, including hospitalization, disability, and even death.
Measles is a respiratory disease that can cause fever, rash, cough, and runny nose. It can also lead to pneumonia, encephalitis (swelling of the brain), and death. Mumps is a viral infection that causes swelling of the salivary glands. It can also lead to meningitis (swelling of the brain and spinal cord), pancreatitis (swelling of the pancreas), and orchitis (swelling of the testicles).
Rubella is a mild disease that can cause fever, rash, and joint pain. However, it can be very dangerous for pregnant women. If a pregnant woman gets rubella, it can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, or congenital rubella syndrome (CRS). CRS is a serious condition that can cause heart defects, hearing loss, and intellectual disability.
The MMR vaccine is very effective at preventing measles, mumps, and rubella. It is given in two doses, the first at 12 months of age and the second at 4-6 years of age. The MMR vaccine is safe and well-tolerated. The most common side effects are mild and include fever, rash, and swelling at the injection site.
If you have any questions about the MMR vaccine, please talk to your doctor.
Polio
Polio is a paralytic disease that can cause permanent disability or death. It is caused by the poliovirus, which is spread through contact with the infected feces of an infected person.
- Highly contagious:
Polio is a highly contagious disease. It can be spread through contact with the infected feces of an infected person, or through contact with contaminated food or water.
- Symptoms:
The symptoms of polio can range from mild to severe. Some people with polio may only have mild symptoms, such as fever, sore throat, headache, and muscle aches. Others may have more severe symptoms, such as paralysis of the arms, legs, or respiratory muscles.
- Paralysis:
Polio can cause paralysis, which is the inability to move a muscle or group of muscles. Paralysis can range from mild to severe. Some people with polio may only have mild paralysis, while others may have severe paralysis that affects their ability to walk, breathe, or swallow.
- Prevention:
The polio vaccine is very effective at preventing polio. It is given in a series of four doses, the first at 2 months of age, the second at 4 months of age, the third at 6-18 months of age, and the fourth at 4-6 years of age. The polio vaccine is safe and well-tolerated. The most common side effects are mild and include fever, rash, and swelling at the injection site.
If you have any questions about the polio vaccine, please talk to your doctor.
Chickenpox
Chickenpox is a common childhood disease that is caused by the varicella-zoster virus. It is characterized by an itchy rash of small blisters that can appear all over the body.
- Highly contagious:
Chickenpox is a highly contagious disease. It can be spread through contact with the infected saliva or mucus of an infected person, or through contact with the fluid from the chickenpox blisters.
- Symptoms:
The symptoms of chickenpox typically start with a fever, headache, and fatigue. A few days later, a rash of small, itchy blisters appears. The rash can last for up to two weeks.
- Complications:
Chickenpox can lead to a number of complications, including pneumonia, encephalitis (swelling of the brain), and bacterial skin infections. In rare cases, chickenpox can be fatal.
- Prevention:
The chickenpox vaccine is very effective at preventing chickenpox. It is given in two doses, the first at 12 months of age and the second at 4-6 years of age. The chickenpox vaccine is safe and well-tolerated. The most common side effects are mild and include fever, rash, and swelling at the injection site.
If you have any questions about the chickenpox vaccine, please talk to your doctor.
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is a liver infection that is caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). HAV is spread through contact with contaminated food or water, or through contact with the infected feces of an infected person.
- Symptoms:
The symptoms of hepatitis A can range from mild to severe. Some people with hepatitis A may only have mild symptoms, such as fatigue, nausea, and vomiting. Others may have more severe symptoms, such as jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), dark urine, and abdominal pain.
- Complications:
Hepatitis A can lead to a number of complications, including liver failure, liver transplantation, and death. In rare cases, hepatitis A can also lead to a chronic liver infection.
- Prevention:
The hepatitis A vaccine is very effective at preventing hepatitis A. It is given in two doses, the first at 12 months of age and the second at 18 months of age. The hepatitis A vaccine is safe and well-tolerated. The most common side effects are mild and include fever, rash, and swelling at the injection site.
- Recommendations:
The hepatitis A vaccine is recommended for all children and adults. It is especially important for people who travel to countries where hepatitis A is common.
If you have any questions about the hepatitis A vaccine, please talk to your doctor.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a liver infection that is caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). HBV is spread through contact with infected blood or bodily fluids, such as semen, vaginal fluid, and breast milk.
- Symptoms:
The symptoms of hepatitis B can range from mild to severe. Some people with hepatitis B may only have mild symptoms, such as fatigue, nausea, and vomiting. Others may have more severe symptoms, such as jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), dark urine, and abdominal pain.
- Complications:
Hepatitis B can lead to a number of complications, including liver failure, liver transplantation, and death. In some cases, hepatitis B can also lead to a chronic liver infection.
- Prevention:
The hepatitis B vaccine is very effective at preventing hepatitis B. It is given in a series of three doses, the first at birth, the second at 1-2 months of age, and the third at 6-18 months of age. The hepatitis B vaccine is safe and well-tolerated. The most common side effects are mild and include fever, rash, and swelling at the injection site.
- Recommendations:
The hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for all infants, children, and adults. It is especially important for people who are at risk of exposure to HBV, such as healthcare workers, people who inject drugs, and people who have multiple sexual partners.
If you have any questions about the hepatitis B vaccine, please talk to your doctor.
Meningitis
Meningitis is an infection of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. It can be caused by a number of different bacteria and viruses, including meningococcus, pneumococcus, and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib).
- Symptoms:
The symptoms of meningitis can vary depending on the cause of the infection. However, some common symptoms include fever, headache, stiff neck, nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light.
- Complications:
Meningitis can lead to a number of serious complications, including brain damage, hearing loss, and learning disabilities. In some cases, meningitis can be fatal.
- Prevention:
There are a number of vaccines available that can prevent meningitis. These vaccines are typically given in childhood, but they can also be given to adults who are at risk of exposure to meningitis.
- Recommendations:
The meningococcal vaccine is recommended for all children and adolescents aged 11-12 years. A booster dose is recommended at age 16-18 years. The pneumococcal vaccine is recommended for all children and adults aged 65 years and older. The Hib vaccine is recommended for all children under the age of 5 years.
If you have any questions about the meningitis vaccine, please talk to your doctor.
Pneumococcal disease
Pneumococcal disease is a serious infection that can be caused by the bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae. Pneumococcal disease can affect the lungs, blood, and brain. It can also lead to meningitis, a serious infection of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord.
Pneumococcal disease is spread through contact with respiratory droplets from an infected person. This can happen when someone coughs, sneezes, or talks. Pneumococcal disease can also be spread through contact with contaminated objects, such as doorknobs or countertops.
Anyone can get pneumococcal disease, but it is most common in young children, adults over the age of 65, and people with weakened immune systems. Pneumococcal disease can be very serious, and it can even be fatal.
The pneumococcal vaccine is very effective at preventing pneumococcal disease. It is given in a series of four doses, the first at 2 months of age, the second at 4 months of age, the third at 6 months of age, and the fourth at 12-15 months of age. A booster dose is recommended at age 19-23 months.
If you have any questions about the pneumococcal vaccine, please talk to your doctor.
Rotavirus
Rotavirus is a very contagious virus that causes gastroenteritis, or inflammation of the stomach and intestines. Rotavirus is the most common cause of severe gastroenteritis in children under the age of 5 years.
Rotavirus is spread through contact with infected feces or vomit. This can happen when someone does not wash their hands properly after using the bathroom or changing a baby's diapers. Rotavirus can also be spread through contact with contaminated food or water.
Rotavirus infection can cause a variety of symptoms, including vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and abdominal pain. In severe cases, rotavirus infection can lead to脱水, which can be fatal if not treated.
There is no specific treatment for rotavirus infection. Treatment is supportive and includes rest, fluids, and electrolytes. In severe cases,住院 may be necessary.
The rotavirus vaccine is very effective at preventing rotavirus infection. It is given in two or three doses, depending on the brand of vaccine. The rotavirus vaccine is given to infants and young children between the ages of 6 weeks and 15 months.
If you have any questions about the rotavirus vaccine, please talk to your doctor.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about the 18-month vaccines:
Question 1: What vaccines are given at 18 months?
Answer 1: The vaccines given at 18 months are the MMR vaccine, the polio vaccine, the chickenpox vaccine, the hepatitis A vaccine, the hepatitis B vaccine, the meningitis vaccine, the pneumococcal vaccine, and the rotavirus vaccine.
Question 2: Why are these vaccines important?
Answer 2: These vaccines are important because they protect your child from serious diseases that can cause hospitalization, disability, and even death.
Question 3: Are these vaccines safe?
Answer 3: Yes, these vaccines are safe and effective. They have been studied extensively and have been shown to be safe for children.
Question 4: What are the side effects of these vaccines?
Answer 4: The most common side effects of these vaccines are mild and include fever, rash, and swelling at the injection site. These side effects usually go away within a few days.
Question 5: Can I choose not to vaccinate my child?
Answer 5: You have the right to choose not to vaccinate your child. However, it is important to understand that by doing so, you are putting your child at risk of serious diseases.
Question 6: Where can I get my child vaccinated?
Answer 6: You can get your child vaccinated at your doctor's office, at a local health department, or at a community health center.
Question 7: How much do these vaccines cost?
Answer 7: The cost of these vaccines varies depending on the vaccine and where you get them. However, most vaccines are covered by insurance.
Question 8: What if I have more questions?
Answer 8: If you have more questions about the 18-month vaccines, please talk to your doctor.
The 18-month vaccines are an important part of protecting your child from serious diseases. Please talk to your doctor about getting your child vaccinated.
In addition to getting your child vaccinated, there are a number of other things you can do to help protect them from disease, such as washing their hands often, keeping them away from sick people, and making sure they get enough rest.
Tips
Here are some tips for protecting your child from disease:
Wash your child's hands often. This is one of the most important things you can do to prevent the spread of germs. Teach your child to wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the bathroom, before eating, and after playing outside.
Keep your child away from sick people. If your child is sick, keep them home from school or daycare to prevent them from spreading their illness to others. Likewise, try to keep your child away from people who are sick.
Make sure your child gets enough sleep. When your child is well-rested, their immune system is better able to fight off infection.
Get your child vaccinated. Vaccinations are the best way to protect your child from serious diseases. Make sure your child gets all of the recommended vaccines on time.
Teach your child about good hygiene. Teach your child to cover their mouth and nose when they cough or sneeze, and to avoid touching their face.
By following these tips, you can help protect your child from disease and keep them healthy.
The 18-month vaccines are an important part of protecting your child from serious diseases. Please talk to your doctor about getting your child vaccinated.
Conclusion
The 18-month vaccines are an important part of protecting your child from serious diseases. These vaccines protect against measles, mumps, rubella, polio, chickenpox, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, meningitis, pneumococcal disease, and rotavirus. These diseases can cause serious health problems, including hospitalization, disability, and even death.
The 18-month vaccines are safe and effective. They have been studied extensively and have been shown to be safe for children. The most common side effects of these vaccines are mild and include fever, rash, and swelling at the injection site. These side effects usually go away within a few days.
By getting your child vaccinated, you are helping to protect them from serious diseases. You are also helping to protect other children who may not be able to get vaccinated, such as those with weakened immune systems.
If you have any questions about the 18-month vaccines, please talk to your doctor. They can help you understand the risks and benefits of these vaccines and make the best decision for your child.
The 18-month vaccines are an important part of keeping your child healthy. Please make sure your child gets all of the recommended vaccines on time.