Logan Reed
Vaccines are available to prevent a range of diseases, with routine vaccinations for children born between 1994 and 2023 having prevented an estimated 508 million illnesses and 32 million hospitalizations. Vaccines are typically tailored to the age, location, job, lifestyle, travel schedule, health conditions, and previous vaccinations of the individual. For example, the MMR vaccine is recommended for children to prevent measles, mumps, and rubella, while the flu vaccine is important for young children, older people, pregnant women, and those with chronic health conditions. Vaccines are also available for polio, COVID-19, and the adenovirus that causes the common cold.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type | Inactivated, live, subunit, recombinant, polysaccharide, conjugate, toxoid, mRNA, viral vector |
| Purpose | Teach the immune system how to fight certain kinds of germs and the serious diseases they cause |
| Availability | Vaccines are available at doctors' offices and pharmacies and are usually covered by insurance |
| Effectiveness | Research has shown that vaccinations for children born between 1994 and 2023 will have prevented about 508 million illnesses, 32 million hospitalizations, and saved over 1.1 million lives |
| Recommendations | Vaccines are commonly recommended by governments and doctors to protect children and adolescents from fatal illnesses |
| Limitations | Live vaccines may not be suitable for people with weakened immune systems or long-term health problems, and they don't travel well to countries without refrigerators |
| Development | Scientists are working on new types of vaccines, such as DNA vaccines and recombinant vector vaccines |
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Polio
There is currently no cure for polio, but it can be prevented with safe and effective vaccines. The two types of polio vaccines are the inactivated poliovirus given by injection (IPV) and a weakened poliovirus given by mouth (oral polio vaccine, OPV). The IPV vaccine does not contain a live virus and cannot give the recipient polio. The OPV vaccine is safe and effective, and because it is administered orally, it can be given by volunteers. Its method of action ensures that person-to-person spread of the virus can be interrupted. However, the OPV vaccine is no longer licensed or available in the United States, and the IPV vaccine has been the only polio vaccine given in the country since 2000.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that all children be fully vaccinated against polio. The two vaccines have eliminated polio from most of the world, reducing the number of cases reported each year from an estimated 350,000 in 1988 to 33 in 2018. The Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) has led to a reduction in polio cases worldwide by over 99%. As of 2021, the wild poliovirus was geographically constrained and caused only 6 cases in the entire year.
In countries with endemic polio or a high risk of imported cases, the WHO recommends the OPV vaccine at birth, followed by a primary series of three OPV doses and at least one IPV dose starting at 6 weeks of age, with a minimum of 4 weeks between OPV doses. In countries with more than 90% immunization coverage and low risk of importation, the WHO recommends one or two IPV doses starting at two months of age, followed by at least two OPV doses. In countries with the highest levels of coverage and the lowest risks of importation and transmission, the WHO recommends a primary series of three IPV injections, with a booster dose after an interval of six months or more if the first dose was administered before two months of age.
In the United States, children should receive four doses of the IPV vaccine as part of routine childhood immunization. Children who are delayed in getting all recommended doses should finish their series by following the recommended catch-up schedule. Most adults have likely already been vaccinated against poliovirus during childhood, but if not, they should get three doses of IPV. Anyone at risk of poliovirus exposure may receive one lifetime booster dose of IPV.
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Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR)
Measles
Measles is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by the measles virus. It is characterised by a fever, cough, runny nose, conjunctivitis (red eyes) and a characteristic rash. Complications of measles include ear infections, diarrhoea, pneumonia (lung infection) and encephalitis (brain inflammation). Measles can be especially dangerous for young children and infants, and it can lead to long-term disabilities or even death.
Mumps
Mumps is an infectious disease caused by the mumps virus. It typically results in fever, headache, swelling and tenderness of the salivary glands, particularly the parotid glands (located between the ear and jaw). Mumps can lead to a range of complications, including meningitis (inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord), encephalitis, deafness, orchitis (inflammation of the testicles) and oophoritis (inflammation of the ovaries).
Rubella (German measles)
Rubella is a mild, but highly contagious viral infection. It often presents with a low-grade fever, sore throat, mild rash and swollen lymph nodes. Rubella is
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Flu
Influenza, or the 'flu', is a highly contagious respiratory illness that spreads through airborne transmission or when people touch contaminated surfaces. It is caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and lungs. In many cases, the illness is mild, with symptoms such as chills, fever, and fatigue. However, the flu can also lead to serious complications, especially in vulnerable individuals like young children, older people, pregnant women, and those with underlying medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease. The most common complication is pneumonia, which is often caused by a secondary bacterial infection.
Due to the flu's highly contagious nature and potential for severe complications, vaccination is an essential preventive measure. Flu vaccines are designed to protect against the influenza viruses predicted to be most common during the upcoming season. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends virus strains for inclusion in flu vaccines each year, targeting 3-4 strains expected to be circulating in each hemisphere. The vaccines are constantly updated to match the evolving nature of the flu virus.
In the United States, flu vaccines are typically recommended in early fall, before the virus starts to spread widely in the community. It takes about two weeks for the vaccine to offer full protection, as that is how long it takes for antibodies to develop in the body. Even if an individual gets sick after receiving the vaccine, the vaccine can help minimise the severity of their illness.
While the flu vaccine is generally safe and effective, it may not work for everyone. A person's immune history and health status play a role in their response to the vaccine. Additionally, it is important to get vaccinated annually, as immunity wanes over time, and the flu vaccine composition is updated each year to match the predicted circulating strains.
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COVID-19
The vaccines are updated periodically to fight new variants of the virus. The 2024-25 COVID-19 vaccine is designed to protect against the variants that are currently spreading, including the KP.2 and JN.1 variants. The vaccines created by Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna target the KP.2 strain, while the Novavax vaccine targets the JN.1 variant.
The COVID-19 vaccine is available at pharmacies, and it is recommended that you consult your doctor before receiving the vaccine. The CDC recommends that everyone aged 5 and older receive one shot of the updated 2024-25 vaccine. Children aged 6 months to 4 years may need more than one shot, and people who are immunocompromised may also need more than one dose.
Research has suggested that people who are infected after vaccination are less likely to experience Long COVID, compared to those who were unvaccinated.
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Routine childhood vaccinations
Vaccination is one of the best ways to protect yourself and your child from serious diseases. Routine childhood vaccinations are essential to ensuring children's health and well-being, and these vaccinations vary depending on the child's age, location, health conditions, and other factors. Here is an overview of some routine childhood vaccinations:
DTaP Vaccine
The DTaP vaccine protects against three infectious diseases: diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (whooping cough). Diphtheria and pertussis are highly contagious respiratory tract infections, while tetanus is a serious condition affecting the nervous system. The DTaP vaccine is typically given in a series of shots starting at around two months of age, with booster shots administered during childhood and adolescence to maintain immunity.
MMR Vaccine
The MMR vaccine stands for measles, mumps, and rubella. Measles, mumps, and rubella are all contagious diseases that can have severe complications. The MMR vaccine is typically given in two doses, with the first dose administered at around 12-15 months of age, and the second dose given at 4-6 years of age. However, the timing may vary depending on local guidelines and the child's individual circumstances.
Hepatitis A (HepA) Vaccine
The HepA vaccine protects against hepatitis A, a liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus. This vaccine is typically given to babies as young as 6 months old if they are travelling to or living in areas where hepatitis A is prevalent. A routine vaccination is also recommended after the child's first birthday, and older children who missed the vaccine earlier can also receive it.
Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccine (MenACWY)
The MenACWY vaccine protects against meningitis, a serious infection of the thin membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. This vaccine is recommended for children who live in or travel to countries where meningitis is common or where there is an outbreak. The vaccine is typically given in two routine doses according to the schedule, even if the child receives the vaccine earlier due to travel or an outbreak.
Dengue Fever Vaccine
In regions where dengue fever is endemic, such as Puerto Rico, American Samoa, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, the dengue fever vaccine is recommended for children aged 9-16 who have previously had dengue fever. The vaccine is given in three doses to provide protection against subsequent dengue infections.
It is important to note that the specific routine childhood vaccinations may vary based on the recommendations of healthcare providers and local guidelines. Parents and caregivers should consult their healthcare providers and refer to the childhood vaccine schedule to ensure their children receive the recommended vaccinations at the appropriate ages.
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Frequently asked questions
Polio.
Measles.
Mumps.
Rubella.
The flu.
