Immunization is one of the greatest gifts you can give your child—a shield of protection against harmful and potentially deadly diseases. But what exactly is immunization, and why is it so crucial for your child’s health?
Immunization is the process of making a person immune or resistant to an infectious disease, typically through the administration of a vaccine. It’s a simple, safe, and effective method of protecting children before they come into contact with dangerous diseases.
How Immunization Works
When your child receives a vaccine, a weakened or inactive part of a particular organism (called an antigen) is introduced into their body. This triggers the immune system to produce antibodies—the body’s natural soldiers that fight infection—exactly as it would if exposed to the actual disease. The immune system then “remembers” the disease, so if your child encounters the real germ in the future, their body can quickly destroy it and prevent illness.
Immunization vs. Vaccination: Understanding the Difference
While these terms are often used interchangeably, there’s an important distinction:
- Vaccination is the act of administering a vaccine into the body
- Immunization is the process by which the body becomes protected against a disease
This means a child can be vaccinated but not immunized, resulting in what’s called “failed immunization.” This can occur due to improperly stored vaccines (which is why cold chain storage is essential), expired or damaged vaccines, incorrect dosage or administration route, or incomplete vaccination.
Why Childhood Immunization Matters
Childhood immunization is vital for both individual children and the community at large. Here’s why:
- Protects against serious illness: Vaccines shield children from diseases that once caused severe complications, lifelong disability, or death—such as polio, measles, and whooping cough.
- Saves lives: Immunization reduces child morbidity and mortality rates significantly.
- Supports healthy development: Immunized children grow healthier and are more likely to reach their full physical and mental potential.
- Creates herd immunity: When enough people are vaccinated, it protects even those who cannot be vaccinated, such as newborns or children with certain medical conditions.
- Cost-effective: Preventing diseases is far more affordable than treating them, reducing healthcare costs for families and the nation.
- Contributes to disease control: Widespread vaccination has led to the global eradication of smallpox and continues to protect against the return of dangerous diseases.
Types of Vaccines
Different vaccines work in different ways to protect your child. Common types include:
- Live-Attenuated Vaccines: Contain a weakened form of the germ (e.g., MMR, Rotavirus, BCG for tuberculosis)
- Inactivated Vaccines: Contain a killed version of the germ (e.g., Inactivated Polio Vaccine – IPV, Hepatitis A)
- Subunit/Conjugate Vaccines: Use only specific pieces of the germ, like its protein or sugar (e.g., Hib, Pneumococcal, HPV)
- Toxoid Vaccines: Protect against toxins produced by the germ (e.g., Diphtheria and Tetanus vaccines)
- mRNA Vaccines: A newer technology that teaches cells how to make a protein that triggers an immune response (e.g., some COVID-19 vaccines)
The National Immunization Schedule
Following the recommended immunization schedule ensures your child receives the right vaccines at the right ages for maximum protection. Here is Nigeria’s National Programme on Immunization (NPI) Schedule:
At Birth:
- BCG (against tuberculosis)
- Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV-0)
- Hepatitis B-1
6 Weeks:
- Pentavalent-1 (Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus, Hepatitis B, Hib)
- OPV-1
- Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV-1)
- Rotavirus-1
- IPV-1
10 Weeks:
- Pentavalent-2
- OPV-2
- Rotavirus-2
- PCV-2
14 Weeks:
- Pentavalent-3
- OPV-3
- PCV-3
- Rotavirus-3
- IPV-2
9 Months:
- Measles Vaccine-1
- Yellow Fever Vaccine
- Meningitis A
15 Months:
- Measles-2
Additional Supplements:
- Vitamin A-1 at 6 months
- Vitamin A-2 at 12 months
Essential Tips for Parents
- Keep the immunization card safe: Your child’s immunization card is a vital health record. Keep it in a secure, dry place and bring it to every clinic visit.
- Don’t skip appointments: Timely vaccination is crucial for optimal protection.
- Catch-up is possible: If you’ve missed a scheduled dose, contact your healthcare provider immediately. It’s never too late to protect your child.
- Ask questions: If you have concerns or questions about vaccines, speak with a trained healthcare worker at your local health center.
- Vaccines are readily available: Most vaccines on the national schedule are free and available at hospitals and health centers close to you.
Take Action Today
Child immunization is one of the most powerful and proven public health interventions in history. It’s a gift of health, a shield of protection, and an investment in your child’s future and the wellbeing of our entire community.
By ensuring your children are fully vaccinated according to the national schedule, you’re not only fulfilling your duty as a parent or caregiver but also contributing to a healthier, stronger, and disease-free society for everyone.
Visit your local health center or clinic today, speak to a healthcare worker, and make sure your child’s vaccinations are up to date. Their future health depends on the decisions you make today.
