Your baby’s first birthday has arrived, and this celebration comes with their first step, first word, and even their first laugh. Along with milestones, their vaccination milestones are also important, because your child’s immunity might be developing on its own, but they need extra protection to fight against those life-threatening infections and diseases.
A 12-month or 1-year vaccine booster dose is not just a continuation of the previous vaccine; instead, it is a form of reinforcing protection to make your child stronger.
This article will cover all the crucial points to give you clarity about your child’s vaccination schedule and explain the booster dose.
Why is 1 year baby vaccination a game-changer?
During this stage, critical vaccine administration windows include the following stages: birth, six weeks, ten weeks, fourteen weeks, six months, nine months, and finally twelve months. Each window is designed to ensure that a particular immunization objective is achieved. The stage of being twelve months old is when your baby will be administered several vaccines, which are not possible at earlier stages.
Regarding the MMR vaccine, the drug will only be injected into your baby at the age range of nine months to twelve months old. MMR stands for the drugs against three diseases: measles, mumps, and rubella. The effectiveness of the drug can be limited by maternal antibodies developed during pregnancy. Thus, at the age of twelve months, the immunity in your baby’s body will wear out; hence, they will be ready for MMR immunization.
As per World Health Organization statistics, more than 136,000 deaths caused by measles occurred around the world in 2022, with most of them being under-five babies. Before developing MMR vaccines, the number of people dying each year reached up to millions.
In addition, there are other vaccines, such as the Hib vaccine, pneumococcal disease vaccine, and hepatitis A vaccine, which are administered during the initial phase of vaccination, but also require another booster vaccine in order to be effective in the long run. The reason behind this is that the effectiveness of these vaccines starts diminishing after a certain point in time.
What are booster shots?
The term “booster” often puzzles some parents, as they are sure that if the child was vaccinated before, another vaccine is redundant. Nevertheless, there is a clear explanation provided by immunology. In fact, as soon as a person receives a vaccination, he or she develops immunity due to the development of antibodies and “memory cells”. However, over time, its efficacy reduces because antibodies become fewer, and the organism cannot protect itself from infection.
When one receives a booster vaccine, they get exposed to the antigens, and the secondary immune response occurs. It responds faster than the previous one, and it makes it possible to develop more antibodies and more efficient “memory cells. It seems strange, but boosting means not the inefficiency of the vaccine, but rather the last examination during immunization. In this case, the primary vaccine resembles education, and the booster vaccine is a diploma proving a good learning experience.
Vaccination of 12 Month Baby
Here is a complete breakdown of every vaccine for babies-
MMR Vaccines (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella)
It is usually given to children between 12 and 15 months, and a second dose is given to 4 to 6-year-olds to provide them with complete protection against measles, mumps, and rubella. The first dose provide 93% protection and the second one ensure 97%. There are possible cases that, later in life, some people get infected with this virus, and it happens because their immune system is not strong enough to tackle the threat. So make sure that your child adopts the habits that can boost their immune system.
Recommendation- MMR and MMV can be given at the same time, but make sure to consult with your child’s pediatrician and talk through all the questions.
Varicella (Chichkenpox)
We all have come across the name chickenpox, and we all know that it is very common and contagious, also. But you should also know that the varicella vaccine also protects your child from shingles (by a lower risk by 70%) later in life. Although babies between 12 and 15 months get the vaccination shot, it is recommended to get them a booster shot once they are 4 years old. Mild redness, swelling, and pain are some of the common side effects. Also, if your child is not protected against the vaccine, the chances of catching chickenpox from someone else are higher.
PCV Booster (Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine)
Pneumococcal bacteria are the leading cause of meningitis, ear infections, and pneumonia in younger children. The booster is the final dose of the vaccine to ensure long-term immunity against life-threatening infections.
Hib Booster
Hib bacteria cause pneumonia, meningitis, and life-threatening epiglottitis and septicaemia in young children. Three primary cases are built to initially build immunity, but within the first year, antibodies naturally decline in the body; that is why a booster is given to the children once they become 1 year old. It is crucial to remember that, without the booster dose, the series of Hib vaccine is incomplete. Till they become 5, they are still vulnerable and at higher risk for serious Hib infection.
Annual Influenza
Influenza is not a mild illness in your little baby, because it can trigger febrile seizures, ear infections, viral pneumonia, and even they might get hospitalized due to such issues. Once they become 12 months old, their annual shot is very crucial, because influenza strains mutate every year, which ultimately makes the last season’s dose partially obsolete. As per WHO updates, influenza vaccine strains are updated twice a year to match the circulating virus. This ensures the optimal protection for children aged 6 months and above.
Hepatitis A
Due to contaminated water and food, the chances of Hepatitis A occurring. It is a liver infection, and your children are at risk. This vaccine is not given to the baby before they become 1 year old, and after that, their window for protection is open. It can cause prolonged liver inflammation, severe vomiting, and even jaundice in younger children. As your child started to eat regular food, the first dose at 12 months and the second dose at 18 months (booster) need to be given.
Vaccination Schedule
| Vaccines | Type | Prevention from |
| MMR | 1st | Measles, Mumps, and Rubella |
| Varicella | 1st | chickenpox |
| Hepatitis A | 1st | Hepatitis A Liver Diseases |
| PCV | Booster | Pneumococcal Meningitis, Pneumonia |
| Hib | Booster | Bacterial Meningitis, Epiglottitis |
| Influenza | Annual | Seasonal flu |
FAQ’s
What if my child is ill? Can I slightly delay the vaccination schedule?
Talk to the pediatricians, and if they suggest you delay the process, then you can later continue their vaccination schedule using a catch-up schedule.
Why is booster vaccination crucial for my child?
The booster vaccine for your 1-year-old baby is important as it reinforces their immune system and protects them from infection in the initial years.
What if I don’t want my child to get a vaccine booster?
There is no need to hesitate, and it will not overload their immune system. Your baby is vulnerable, and a booster shot will help their immune system to become stronger.
Is it safe to give multiple booster doses in a single visit?
Yes, it is completely safe for your child, and it is often recommended by pediatricians worldwide. But it is always safe to discuss the possibilities with the doctor.
What if I miss a 12-month booster?
As a parent, this might be a panicking point, but don’t worry. Most 12-month boosters can be given weeks or even months after the scheduled date without significant loss of effectiveness.
Conclusion
Your baby’s first birthday is the celebration of a new beginning, and as parents, you need to start focusing more on them. As their curiosity has begun, it can lead them to achieve milestones, and also catch some infections. Timely vaccination and booster will help them to boost their immune system, so that they can play and learn happily.
But yes, being curious about the vaccine, especially for booster shots, happens. So, it’s your responsibility to communicate all your doubts with pediatritians. Moreover, if you’re still confused or struggling to know what is right or wrong for your child, Cradle Children’s Hospital is the best for you. Pediatricians of Cradle Children’s Hospital believe in open communication, so that parents can stay on track with their child’s vaccinations.
For more information, contact us today!
