VACCINATIONS

General information and FAQ

There are many ways to protect your child as he or she grows, but when it comes to protection against certain childhood diseases, the medical community strongly recommends vaccination.

In a number of countries, these diseases have practically disappeared due to vaccination.
What is vaccines made of?

Most vaccines contain purified fragments taken from killed bacteria/viruses, but in a very weak form that do not cause disease.

How do vaccines work?

The vaccines enable the body to initiate an antibody response, and it is these antibodies that protect against disease. They do this by preventing the organism causing the disease from doing so or decrease the severity and then aid in eliminating the disease from the body.

Without a vaccine you have to get sick first in order for your body to develop an immune response (protection). There are two basic types of vaccines, live attenuated vaccines and inactivated/killed vaccines.

What is a live vaccine?

Is a vaccine that contains a modified disease producing organism. Once injected into the body it replicates to stimulate an immune response. The vaccine is attenuated/weakened so that it does not cause the significant illness.

Live virus vaccines:

MMR
Varicella (chicken pox)
Polio (OPV – drops)
Live bacteria vaccine:
BCG (TB vaccination given at birth)

Live vaccines usually cause side effects similar to a mild case of the illness it is protecting against.

What is an inactivated vaccine?

For this vaccine the disease producing organism is grown and then killed or inactivated by heat and or chemicals. When injected it cannot replicate and therefore not produce the disease it is being used for. These vaccines are unlikely to give rise to lifelong immunity so boosters are necessary if high levels of immunity are to be maintained.

Why are vaccines given to babies?

Certain vaccine-preventable diseases can infect babies within the first few months of life. Vaccinating small babies helps provide them with protection when they need it.

Are vaccines safe?

In the last decade, numerous changes in vaccine production and administration have reduced the number of side-effects and resulted in safer vaccines. A more purified acellular pertussis (acP) vaccine has been licenced for use in South Africa and has replaced the whole-cell pertusses vaccine used in DTP-Hib (diphtheria, tetanus, and haemophilus influenzae type b vaccine).

What about combination vaccines?

Combination vaccines confer protection against more diseases earlier in life. They also decrease the total number of injections a baby needs to have per visit to the clinic.

Can vaccines cause autism?

Recent studies have demonstrated that there is no relationship, confirmed or demonstrated, between vaccines and autism.

What side-effects might my child experience?

The most typical include a slight fever, irritability and soreness at the injection sight. Although very rare, vaccines can cause more severe side effects.

The following website, is the best one I have come across, it has photos of all the different childhood diseases and a lot of information on incubation periods and other frequently asked questions.

http://www.vaccineinformation.org/

The only disease which is not mentioned on the website is TB, which I will shortly discuss.

Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious disease due to a bacterial infection, most often Mycobacterium tuberculosis. TB is the leading cause of death throughout the world. Infection in children occurs as a result of close contact with an adult contact when the contact in question has untreated, active, sputum-positive disease and the child comes in prolonged close contact with heavily infected upper respiratory tract secretions. TB can also cause meningitis.

Mode of transmission

Droplet infection
Incubation period
2-12 weeks
Signs & Symptoms
Cough, tiredness, weight loss, coughing up blood, fever, night sweats, phlegm-producing cough
The Vaccine: BCG
Bacilli Calmette-Guerin is a live vaccine made from attenuated bovine TB. Vaccination does not guatantee lifelong protection.
The injection is given intradermally (i.e. The upper layer of the skin) into right upper arm.
Possible reactions that may occur after the vaccine:
A local reaction at the site of the injection usually occurs producing a small indurated papule in 1 to 3 weeks. This induration can be as much as 10-15mm in diameter. The area becomes red, swollen and tender, which gradually changes into a superficial scar. An ulcer may appear 2-4 weeks after the vaccination. If cmall cold abscesses appear, spontaneous resorption usually occurs. Occasional the abscess may soften and open spontaneously producing an ulcer. Enlargement of the regional lymph glands may also occasionally develop after vaccination.

DEVELOPMENTAL & Milestone Screening from 0 - 36 months

1 month
Mastered skills (most kids can do)
• Lifts head when lying on tummy• Responds to sound• Stares at faces
Emerging Skills (half of kids can do)
• Follows objects briefly with eyes• Vocalizes: oohs and aahs• Can see black-and-white patterns
Advanced Skills (a few kids can do)
• Smiles, laughs• Holds head at 45-degree angle

2 months
Mastered skills (most kids can do)
• Vocalizes: gurgles and coos• Follows objects across field of vision• Notices his hands• Holds head up for short periods
Emerging Skills (half of kids can do)
• Smiles, laughs• Holds head at 45-degree angle• Makes smoother movements
Advanced skills (a few kids can do)
• Holds head steady• Can bear weight on legs• Lifts head and shoulders when lying on tummy (mini-pushup)

3 months
Mastered skills (most kids can do)
• Recognizes your face and scent• Holds head steady• Visually tracks moving objects
Emerging skills (half of kids can do)
• Squeals, gurgles, coos• Blows bubbles• Recognizes your voice• Does mini-pushup
Advanced skills (a few kids can do)
• Rolls over, from tummy to back• Turns toward loud sounds• Can bring hands together, bats at toys

4 months
Mastered skills (most kids can do)
• Smiles, laughs• Can bear weight on legs• Coos when you talk to him
Emerging skills (half of kids can do)
• Can grasp a toy• Rolls over, from tummy to back
Advanced skills (a few kids can do)
• Imitates sounds: "baba," "dada"• Cuts first tooth• May be ready for solid foods

5 months
Mastered skills (most kids can do)
• Distinguishes between bold colors• Plays with his hands and feet
Emerging skills (half of kids can do)
• Recognizes own name• Turns toward new sounds• Rolls over in both directions
Advanced skills (a few kids can do)
• Sits momentarily without support• Mouths objects• Separation anxiety may begin

6 months
Mastered skills (most kids can do)
• Turns toward sounds and voices• Imitates sounds• Rolls over in both directions
Emerging skills (half of kids can do)
• Is ready for solid foods• Sits without support• Mouths objects• Passes objects from hand to hand
Advanced skills (a few kids can do)
• Lunges forward or starts crawling• Jabbers or combines syllables• Drags objects toward himself

7 months
Mastered skills (most kids can do)
• Sits without support• Drags objects toward herself
Emerging skills (half of kids can do)
• Lunges forward or starts crawling• Jabbers or combines syllables• Starts to experience stranger anxiety
Advanced skills ( a few kids can do)
• Waves goodbye• Stands while holding onto something• Bangs objects together• Begins to understand object permanence

8 months
Mastered skills (most kids can do)
• Says "mama" and "dada" to both parents (isn't specific)• Passes objects from hand to hand
Emerging skills (half of kids can do)
• Stands while holding onto something• Crawls• Points at objects• Searches for hidden objects
Advanced skills (a few kids can do)
• Pulls self to standing, cruises• Picks things up with thumb-finger pincer grasp• Indicates wants with gestures

9 months
Mastered skills (most kids can do)
• Stands while holding onto something• Jabbers or combines syllables• Understands object permanence
Emerging skills (half of kids can do)
• Cruises while holding onto furniture• Drinks from a sippy cup• Eats with fingers• Bangs objects together
Advanced skills (a few kids can do)
• Plays patty-cake and peek-a-boo• Says "mama" and "dada" to the correct parent

10 months
Mastered skills (most kids can do)
• Waves goodbye• Picks things up with pincer grasp• Crawls well, with belly off the ground
Emerging skills (half of kids can do)
• Says "mama" and "dada" to the correct parent• Indicates wants with gestures
Advanced skills (a few kids can do)
• Stands alone for a couple of seconds• Puts objects into a container

11 months
Mastered skills (most kids can do)
• Says "mama" and "dada" to the correct parent• Plays patty-cake and peek-a-boo• Stands alone for a couple of seconds• Cruises
Emerging skills (half of kids can do)
• Understands "no" and simple instructions• Puts objects into a container
Advanced skills (a few kids can do)
• Says one word besides "mama" and "dada"• Stoops from standing position

12 months
Mastered skills (most kids can do)
• Imitates others' activities• Indicates wants with gestures
Emerging skills (half of kids can do)
• Takes a few steps• Says one word besides "mama" and "dada"
Advanced skills ( a few kids can do)
• Walks alone• Scribbles with a crayon• Says two words besides "mama" and "dada"


13 months
Mastered skills (most kids can do)
• Uses two words skillfully (e.g., "hi" and "bye")• Bends over and picks up an object
Emerging skills (half of kids can do)
• Enjoys gazing at his reflection• Holds out arm or leg to help you dress him
Advanced skills (a few kids can do)
• Combines words and gestures to make needs known• Rolls a ball back and forth

14 months
Mastered skills (most kids can do)
• Eats with fingers• Empties containers of contents• Imitates others
Emerging skills (half of kids can do)
• Toddles well• Initiates games• Points to one body part when asked• Responds to instructions (e.g., "give me a kiss")
Advanced skills (a few kids can do)
• Uses a spoon or fork• Matches lids with appropriate containers• Pushes and pulls toys while walking

15 months
Mastered skills (most kids can do)
• Plays with ball• Uses three words regularly• Walks backward
Emerging skills (half of kids can do)
• Scribbles with a crayon• Runs• Adopts "no" as his favorite word
Advanced skills (a few kids can do)
• "Helps" around the house• Puts his fingers to his mouth and says "shhh"

16 months
Mastered skills (most kids can do)
• Turns the pages of a book• Has temper tantrums when frustrated• Becomes attached to a soft toy or other object
Emerging skills (half of kids can do)
• Discovers the joy of climbing• Stacks three blocks• Uses spoon or fork• Learns the correct way to use common objects (e.g., the telephone)
Advanced skills (a few kids can do)
• Takes off one piece of clothing by himself• Gets finicky about food• Switches from two naps to one

17 months
Mastered skills (most kids can do)
• Uses six words regularly• Enjoys pretend games• Likes riding toys
Emerging skills (half of kids can do)
• Feeds doll• Speaks more clearly• Throws a ball underhand
Advanced skills (a few kids can do)
• Dances to music• Sorts toys by color, shape, or size• Kicks ball forward

18 months
Mastered skills (most kids can do)
• Will "read" board books on his own• Scribbles well
Emerging skills (half of kids can do)
• Strings two words together in phrases• Brushes teeth with help• Stacks four blocks
Advanced skills (a few kids can do)
• Throws a ball overhand• Takes toys apart and puts them back together• Shows signs of toilet training readiness

19 months
Mastered skills (most kids can do)
• Uses a spoon and fork• Runs• Throws a ball underhand• Enjoys helping around the house
Emerging skills (half of kids can do)
• Understands as many as 200 words• Recognizes when something is wrong (e.g., calling a dog a cat)
Advanced skills (a few kids can do)
• Washes and dries own hands with help• Points to picture or object when you call it by name• May know when she needs to pee

20 months
Mastered skills (most kids can do)
• Feeds doll• Takes off own clothes• Dumps an object in imitation, such as throwing garbage away
Emerging skills (half of kids can do)
• Learns words at a rate of ten or more a day• Can walk up stairs (but probably not down)
Advanced skills (a few kids can do)
• May start exploring genitals• Draws a straight line• Names several body parts

21 months
Mastered skills (most kids can do)
• Can walk up stairs• Able to set simple goals (e.g., deciding to put a toy in a certain place)
Emerging skills (half of kids can do)
• Throws a ball overhand• Kicks ball forward• Stacks six blocks
Advanced skills (a few kids can do)
• Names simple picture in a book• Can walk down stairs

22 months
Mastered skills (most kids can do)
• Kicks ball forward• Follows two-step requests (e.g., "Get your doll and bring it here")
Emerging skills (half of kids can do)
• Does simple puzzles• Draws a straight line• Names several body parts
Advanced skills (a few kids can do)
• Puts on loose-fitting clothes• Might be ready for a big bed• Understands opposites (e.g., tall vs. short)

23 months
Mastered skills (most kids can do)
• Names simple picture in a book• Uses 50 to 70 words
Emerging skills (half of kids can do)
• Opens doors• Sings simple tunes• Takes more of an interest in playing with other kids
Advanced skills (a few kids can do)
• Talks about self (likes, dislikes)• Asks "why?"

24 months
Mastered skills (most kids can do)
• Names at least six body parts• Half of speech is understandable• Makes two- to three-word sentences
Emerging skills (half of kids can do)
• Talks about self• Arranges things in categories• Can walk down stairs
Advanced skills (a few kids can do)
• Begins to understand abstract concepts (e.g., sooner and later)• Becomes attuned to gender differences• Learns to jump


25 and 26 months
Mastered skills (most kids can do)
• Stacks six blocks• Walks with smooth heel-to-toe motion
Emerging skills (half of kids can do)
• Uses pronouns (e.g., I, me, you)• Washes and dries own hands
Advanced skills (a few kids can do)
• Speaks clearly most of the time• Draws a vertical line

27 and 28 months
Mastered skills (most kids can do)
• Jumps with both feet• Opens doors
Emerging skills (half of kids can do)
• Understands descriptions (e.g., big, soft)• Draws a vertical line
Advanced skills (a few kids can do)
• Starts to recognize ABCs• Balances on one foot

29 and 30 months
Mastered skills (most kids can do)
• Brushes teeth with help• Washes and dries own hands• Draws a vertical line
Emerging skills (half of kids can do)
• Draws a circle• Balances on one foot
Advanced skills (a few kids can do)
• Puts on a T-shirt• Names one color• Names one friend

31 and 32 months
Mastered skills (most kids can do)
• Recites own name• Draws a circle
Emerging skills (half of kids can do)
• Puts on a T-shirt• Balances on each foot for a second• Recognizes ABCs• Brushes teeth by herself
Advanced skills (a few kids can do)
• Uses two adjectives• Draws a cross• Points to objects described by use

33 and 34 months
Mastered skills (most kids can do)
• Names one color• Names one friend• Carries on a simple conversation
Emerging skills (half of kids can do)
• Alternates feet going up and down stairs• Uses prepositions (e.g., on, in, over)• Speaks clearly most of the time (75 percent can be understood)• Stacks eight blocks
Advanced skills (a few kids can do)
• Is toilet trained during the day• Wiggles thumb• Expresses a wide range of emotions• Draws a stick figure

35 and 36 months
Mastered skills (most kids can do)
• Describes how two objects are used• Uses three to four words in a sentence• Names two actions (e.g., skipping, jumping)
Emerging skills (half of kids can do)
• Hops and skips• Follows a two- or three-part command• Separates fairly easily from parents• Rides a tricycle
Advanced skills (a few kids can do)
• Balances on each foot for three seconds• Gets dressed without help

VACCINATIONS

Info to follow shortly.

GROWTH PATTERNS - Male Babies

Length for age birth - 36 months

Stature for age 2 - 20 years


















Weight for age birth - 36 months


















Weight for age 2 - 20 years

Head circumference birth - 36 months

GROWTH PATTERNS - Female Babies

Head Circumference birth to 36 months


















Weight age 2 - 20 years



















Weight age birth to 36 months


















Stature for age 2 - 20 years


















Head circumference birth - 36 months

TEETHING

Teething

Teething is the process by which an infant's teeth sequentially appear by breaking through the gums. Teething may start as early as three months or as late as twelve months. The typical time frame for new teeth to appear is somewhere between 6 and 9 months.

Sequence of Appearance

The infant teeth tend to emerge in pairs – first one lower incisor emerges then the other lower incisor emerges before the next set begin to emerge.

The general pattern of emergence is:
Deciduos (20)
Lower central incisors (2) 6-8 months
Upper central incisors (2) 7-9 months
Lower & upper lateral incisors (2+2) 8-11 months
Anterior molars (4) 10-16 months
Canines (4) 16-20 months
Posterior molars (4) 20-30 months
Permanent (32)
First molar (4) 5-6 years
Incisors 6-9 years
Bicuspids (8) 9-12 years
Canines (4) 9-12 years
Second molars (4) 12-13 years
Third molars (4) 17-22 years

Signs of Teething:

May include the following:
Poor mood/ slightly irritable
Loss of appetite
Chewing of objects
Bruises/swelling in the gums
Excess salivation
Slightly loose stools
A slight rise in temperature may occur when the teeth come through the gum.
6.5 month infant with right lower central ...5 days later that incisor is visible
incisor about to emerge...

Treatment

You can soothe sore gums by letting your child chew or suck on chilled teething rings, but when teething pain causes your child troubled sleeping, you may decide to turn to medicines to help you and your baby get some rest. Over the counter teething remedies include: Prodol, Teejel, Vidol powders, Bonjela etc.
Homeopathic remedies: Hyland's teething remedy, Weleda teething remedy.