Additional Vaccines For Children: Comprehensive Disease Protection

     In addition to essential vaccines, supplementary vaccines provide broader protection against various diseases, strengthening children's immunity and reducing the risk of serious illnesses. Parents should carefully research and plan accordingly to ensure their child's healthy growth at every stage of development.

8 Supplementary Vaccines for Children

1. Pneumococcal Vaccine (PCV)

     The pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV), commonly known as the "IPD vaccine," protects against Streptococcus pneumoniae, a bacterium that can cause severe infections such as meningitis, pneumonia, and bloodstream infections. Various PCV formulations cover 10, 13, 15, and 20 strains, and vaccination can begin from two months of age.

2. HFMD Vaccine

     HFMD is commonly found in young children, particularly those under five years old, and is caused by the Enterovirus 71 (EV71) strain, which can lead to severe complications such as encephalitis and myocarditis. The HFMD vaccine helps prevent the disease and reduce severe complications, and can be administered to children aged six months to under six years.

3. Chickenpox Vaccine

     Chickenpox is a highly contagious disease that spreads through respiratory droplets, nasal and throat secretions, or direct contact with blisters. Symptoms include fever, fatigue, and a rash of fluid-filled blisters. The vaccine, made from a weakened virus, can be administered from one year of age and is also suitable for adolescents and adults.

4. Dengue Fever Vaccine

     Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne viral disease with symptoms ranging from mild to severe. Vaccination can help reduce the severity of the disease, hospitalization rates, and complications. There are two types of dengue vaccines:

• A two-dose vaccine for individuals aged four years and older, regardless of prior dengue infection.

• A three-dose vaccine for individuals aged 6–45 years, recommended for those with a history of dengue fever.

5. Hepatitis A Vaccine

Hepatitis A is a liver infection caused by a virus transmitted through contaminated food, water, or close contact with infected individuals. There are two vaccine types:

• An inactivated virus vaccine, available for children aged one year and older.
• A live-attenuated virus vaccine, administered from 18 months of age.

6. Influenza Vaccine

     Influenza outbreaks are common during rainy and cold seasons, with new virus strains emerging each year. Immunity from the flu vaccine lasts 6–12 months, so annual vaccination is recommended, particularly for children under nine years old. First-time recipients under nine require two doses one month apart, followed by a single annual dose thereafter. The vaccine is available in three- and four-strain formulations.

7. Rabies Vaccine (Pre-exposure Prophylaxis)

     Rabies vaccination before exposure is recommended for individuals at high risk of being bitten by dogs or other mammals. The vaccine is administered intramuscularly or intradermally in two doses. The advantage of pre-exposure vaccination is that if a vaccinated person is later bitten, their immune system responds quickly, eliminating the need for rabies immunoglobulin (RIG) while still requiring 1–2 booster doses.

8. Meningococcal Vaccine

Meningococcal disease, caused by bacterial infections, can lead to meningitis or bloodstream infections, potentially resulting in severe complications or death. Two types of meningococcal vaccines are available:

• A vaccine for serogroup B is administered from two months of age.
• A vaccine covering serogroups A, C, W, and Y is recommended from one year of age.

By incorporating supplementary vaccines, parents can provide their children with comprehensive protection against a wide range of diseases, ensuring their health and well-being throughout every stage of development.