what the vaccines are for
In the final trimester of pregnancy, protective antibodies pass across the placenta and provide babies initial immunity for many diseases their mother may have encountered. But once born, this passive immunity wanes over time and from the moment of birth the baby’s immune system begins to develop its own active response and immunological memories. Breastfeeding may also provide some protection against certain diseases and provide passive immunity, but does not create long-term immunological memory – only a baby’s body can do this.
A vaccine is a preparation of the partial, weakened or dead antigen (bacteria or virus), which is introduced into the body to trigger the immune system into producing antibodies and immunological memory as a protection against a specific disease.
Vaccinations themselves are not a guarantee of protection because each person’s immune system varies, but they aim to provide a significant reduction in the likelihood of a disease being contracted, or of the disease causing serious medical consequences. To avoid babies and young children receiving so many injections, multiple vaccines are combined into single injections.
diphtheria
A serious disease, particularly for young children, with respiratory inflammation that may cause suffocation. Other complications include heart damage, paralysis, renal failure and death to more than 1 in 20.
hepatitis B
Is a viral infection of the liver. Before vaccination, some people developed long-term carriage of hepatitis B virus that could lead to liver disease and cancer.
Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b)
Contrary to its name, Hib is not related to the flu virus. Hib causes meningitis (inflammation around the brain), blood poisoning or infection of the breathing passages. Before 1994, when the vaccine was introduced, it was the most common cause of life-threatening bacterial meningitis in New Zealand children under five years (especially in babies aged six to 11 months).
measles
A highly contagious disease with unvaccinated children having a 1 in 25 chance of pneumonia, and a 1 in 2000 chance of brain inflammation causing potential brain damage. Globally, measles is the most common vaccine-preventable cause of childhood deaths, especially in children under four years old.
meningococcal B
New Zealand has had an epidemic of one particular strain of this disease which caused about 90 per cent of all meningococcal B disease occurrences, and 80 per cent of meningococcal disease occurrences overall, with its common complications of meningitis and septicaemia. Meningococcal is especially serious in the under fives, because even with hospitalisation, other serious complications can occur.
mumps
Previously a common childhood disease with numerous complications, including viral meningitis, permanent deafness, and sterility in boys. From 1970-1991, New Zealand had epidemics every three to four years and there have been no epidemics since the vaccine was introduced in 1992.
pertussis (whooping cough)
A highly infectious disease characterised by up to three months of coughing spasm. Complications include ear infection, pneumonia, vomiting, cyanosis, and in severe cases, lung damage, brain damage, convulsions, and death predominantly to children under age one year (death is rare in children over three years old).
polio
Although almost eradicated from the planet, this highly infectious disease can be imported. It predominantly affects children and in 1 in 100 people affected there is irreparable damage to the central nervous system resulting in permanent paralysis and death to about 1 in 20 of people hospitalised.
rubella (german measles)
A mild disease in children but if contracted by a woman in the early stages of pregnancy, it causes an 85 per cent chance of severe foetal birth defects. Rubella vaccines used to only be given to 11 year old girls but it didn’t stop the disease circulating. It is now given in the MMR vaccine as two doses at 15 months and four years and to both sexes to protect unborn babies.
tetanus
Tetanus spores can enter the body through the tiniest of cuts, then irreversibly bind to the central nervous system, shutting down the brain and spinal cord, causing numerous muscle related complications, and death to about 1 in 10.
for more information
The most important thing to remember is that when it comes to immunisation, it comes down to personal choice and what you feel is right for your family. To find out more about vaccinations and immunisation vist our parenting support listings.
