Vaccination Schedule: Which Vaccines Are Essential for Your Child's Health?

Protecting your baby from the moment they are born is your primary responsibility. From the cold, the heat, hunger... But how will you protect them from invisible threats – viruses and bacteria? The answer is simple: Vaccines (Vaccination).

Vaccination is one of the most effective medical interventions humanity has ever invented. It is thanks to vaccines that smallpox has been eradicated today, and polio (infantile paralysis) is rarely encountered. However, misinformation spreading on the internet in recent years creates serious hesitation in parents: "Are vaccines harmful?", "Do they weaken immunity?".

In this article, we will explain the National Vaccination Schedule applied in Azerbaijan step-by-step and explore why vaccines are of vital importance for your baby.

Why should you vaccinate?

Babies are born with a certain immunity thanks to the antibodies they receive from their mothers. However, this protection is temporary (lasting a few months). Vaccines "train" the baby's own immune system.

• Safer than natural disease: Vaccines create immunity without making the baby sick. To gain immunity naturally, a child must undergo that severe disease (e.g., measles), which can cause serious complications (pneumonia, brain inflammation).

• Herd immunity: Vaccination protects not only your child but also children who cannot be vaccinated (cancer patients, those with allergies).

National Vaccination Schedule of the Republic of Azerbaijan

In our country, vaccines are carried out free of charge in state polyclinics.

1. At the maternity hospital (First 12-24 hours)

On the first day of life, your baby meets two important enemies:

• Hepatitis B (1st dose): Against the virus that damages the liver. (Administered to the lateral side of the thigh).

• BCG (Anti-tuberculosis): Protects against severe forms of tuberculosis (meningitis). (Administered to the upper part of the left arm and usually leaves a small lifelong scar).

2. At 2 months old

In this period, "combined" vaccines (several diseases in one injection) begin:

• DPT (Whooping cough, Diphtheria, Tetanus): 1st dose.

• Hepatit B: 2nd dose.

• HiB (Haemophilus Influenzae Type B): Agent of meningitis and pneumonia.

• IPV (Polio): Injectable form against paralysis.

• Pneumococcal (Prevenar): Against pneumonia and ear inflammation. 1st dose.

3. At 3 months old

• DPT + HiB: 2nd dose.

• OPV (Polio): Drop form (administered orally).

4. At 4 months old

• DPT + HiB: 3rd dose.

• OPV (Polio): Drops.

• Pneumococcal: 2nd dose.

5. At 6 months old

• Hepatitis B: 3rd dose (Full course ends).

• OPV: Drops.

• Pneumococcal: 3rd dose.

6. At 1 year old (12 months)

This is one of the vaccines that parents fear the most, but it is one of the most important:

• MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella): 1st dose.

7. At 18 months old (1.5 years)

• DPT: Revaccination (Booster dose).

• OPV: Drops.

8. At 6 years old (Preschool)

• MMR: 2nd dose.

• DT (Diphtheria, Tetanus): Without the pertussis component.

After vaccination: Are reactions normal?

Yes, your baby may have some mild reactions after vaccination. This shows that the immunity is "working".

• Fever: Can rise to 37.5 - 38.5°C. (You can give Paracetamol, consult with a doctor).

• Restlessness: The baby may be a bit tearful.

• Redness at the injection site: Passes within a few days.

Myth: "Vaccines cause autism."

Fact: This claim originated from a falsified article in 1998 and has since been repeatedly debunked. Scientific research proves that there is no link between vaccines and autism.

>

When should a vaccine not be given? (Contraindications)

• If the baby has a high fever (above 38°C) (vaccination is postponed).

• If there was a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to the previous dose.

• If there is an immunodeficiency disease (live vaccines are not administered).

A mild cold or runny nose is not a barrier to vaccination.

The vaccination schedule may look complicated, but every dose is a brick for your baby's healthy future. Contact your polyclinic and do not miss vaccination days.

To avoid forgetting vaccination dates, use the "Vaccination Calendar" function in the Anacan app. The app will remind you of the time for the next vaccine.