Immunization is one of the important things that play a role in the develop of the baby’s immune system. Babies who still have weak immunity will get self-defense from certain dangerous diseases if they get immunizations. There are five types of mandatory immunizations that babies must receive.
The first is the polio immunization, which is given four times, namely when the child is born and is continued when the baby reaches the age of 2, 3, and 4 months. If the child is late for polio immunization, there is no need to repeat the dose from the beginning, so just do the follow-up immunization according to the specified schedule.
Second, Bacillus Calmette-guerin (BCG) immunization which functions to prevent tuberculosis (TB). This immunization is given once after the birth of the baby. For the BCG vaccine, children should be immunized before the age of three months. If it is more than three months, the child should have a tuberculin test to make sure that the child is not exposed to the TB bacteria. If the result is negative, BCG immunization can be done.
Third, rubella measles immunization. This immunization is given when your child reaches the age of 9 months, 18 months, and 5 years. If you are late for the first measles immunization, there is no need to carry out certain tests. Parents can immediately bring their children for measles immunization at any time, but try to do it as soon as possible.
Fourth, diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus (DPT) immunizations. This immunization is given four times when the child reaches the age of 2, 3, 4 and 18 months. If the immunization is late, the child can be immunized immediately without repeating the dose from the beginning.
Fifth, Hepatitis B immunization. This immunization is given five times, namely when the child is born, then when the child reaches the age of 2, 3, 4 and 18 months. If it is too late to give Hepatitis B immunization, there is no need to do certain tests. So parents can immediately bring their children for Hepatitis B immunization.
Immunization is the right of every child. So, even though it’s late, parents must keep up with the missed immunization schedule for the health of each child’s growth and development.