The issue of baby vaccinations has always been controversial among parents, how in the world should you get vaccinated scientifically and effectively? A vaccine is an infectious microorganism or its derivative that contains a specific inactivated or attenuated form of an infectious microorganism. Once in the body, the vaccine triggers post-exposure immunity in the body, so that if you are exposed to a disease for which you have already been vaccinated, the “bad guy” will run into the antibodies that are ready to fight them. This prevents the disease from having a serious impact. Are vaccines safe? In fact, vaccines are relatively safe, especially those produced by internationally recognized companies. They undergo rigorous three-phase clinical trials before they can be used and need to be approved by the relevant national authorities. Of course, there may be some mild side effects, such as pain or redness at the vaccination site and mild fever. Severe allergic reactions are very rare, such as difficulty in whistling, wheezing, hives, and edema of the larynx. After the vaccination, the doctor will recommend observation for 30 minutes before leaving, also to deal with the allergic reaction in case it occurs. What is the schedule of vaccinations? The schedule of vaccinations: Note: Vaccine guidelines often change as new vaccines become available, and the timing and dosage of vaccinations may change as well. The chart above shows the recommendations given by the CDC based on 2012. Only some of the vaccines from birth to 18 months are shown in the chart above; there are many other vaccines that are given during childhood, many of which target diseases that you and I may have contracted as children. So what are some of them? Chickenpox Chickenpox is a common childhood disease that can also infect adults who are not immunized. As many of you know, chickenpox is spread by droplet transmission, or through and direct contact with fluid that oozes from the chickenpox rash. Chickenpox usually starts as a pimple spot on the face and back, and then quickly fills the spot with a clear, itchy fluid that breaks and scabs over. A dose of chickenpox vaccine is usually recommended at 12 to 18 months of age. Hepatitis A Hepatitis A is usually spread by eating or drinking contaminated food or water, and also through close contact. Two doses of hepatitis A vaccine are recommended for children, the first usually at 12 months of age and the second at 24 months. Influenza The influenza virus is a virus that infects millions of people each year and can cause serious complications, especially in children and the elderly. The flu vaccine is used to protect against strains of the flu virus that are prevalent in the fall and winter. The vaccine is usually given between September and March of the following year. It is recommended that babies receive the flu vaccine once a year starting at 6 months of age. Rotavirus The rotavirus vaccine is an oral vaccine, not a shot. The vaccine does not prevent diarrhea or vomiting caused by other viruses, but it is effective in preventing diarrhea and vomiting caused by rotavirus. Vaccination should not be delayed if your child is mildly ill, such as a common cold, ear infection, or mild diarrhea. The vaccine will still be effective and will not make your child sicker.