To avoid confusion with numerous designations, we have limited the age range of interest, highlighting the main infectious agents against which we protect the child and the frequency of vaccine administration. Many may be concerned about the number of required vaccinations at 3, 4.5, and 6 months. However, we want to reassure you that today, we have multicomponent vaccines, which allow us to protect a child against 3/5/6 pathogens with a single injection. Administering several vaccines at once is safe; the only limitation is the parents' fear.
There are also vaccinations beyond the standard schedule:
- Rotavirus infection (permitted from 6 weeks; the entire course of 3 vaccinations must be completed by 32 weeks),
- Meningococcal infection (from 9 months, two doses with an interval of at least 3 months),
- Chickenpox (from 12 months, two doses with a minimum interval of 28 days),
- Tick-borne encephalitis (from 12 months, different vaccination schemes, best decided individually),
- Hepatitis A (from 12 months, two doses with an interval of at least 6 months),
- Coronavirus infection (from 12 years, two doses with an interval of at least 3 weeks, followed by revaccination 6 months after the second dose). Currently, it is not yet established whether children need to be revaccinated every 6 months,
- Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection (minimum vaccination age 9 years, optimal age 11-12 years, two doses with a 6-month interval, suitable for children up to 14 years old). It is important to note that the HPV vaccine can be administered up to 26 years old.
Children approximately up to 2-3 years old are among the most vulnerable population groups, so doctors advise protecting them as much as possible from infections that can be severe and some of which can lead to disability. Whether to vaccinate or not is each parent's choice. However, it should be noted that modern medicine is well-developed and does everything possible to ensure your child’s health.