About Unvaccinated Children. Dr. Narmin Azizova, Dr. Ali Guliyev

Vaksinasiya Xəbərlər
21 Fevral 2025

About Unvaccinated Children. Dr. Narmin Azizova, Dr. Ali Guliyev

Vaccination is one of the most effective public health measures for preventing infectious diseases. However, some children may miss their vaccinations due to illness, parental oversight, or refusal based on unfounded concerns. Addressing these gaps is essential to protect both individual and community health.

Importance of Completing the Vaccination Schedule

When children visit a healthcare provider for a check-up or treatment, their vaccination records must be reviewed. Any missed vaccinations should be administered as soon as possible. Studies have shown that diseases such as measles, whooping cough (pertussis), diphtheria, and polio have dramatically decreased worldwide due to vaccination programs.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), vaccines prevent 4 to 5 million deaths annually. However, to achieve herd immunity, at least 80-95% of the population must be immunized against vaccine-preventable diseases. Addressing barriers to vaccination and ensuring timely immunization is crucial in achieving this target.

Guidelines for Catch-Up Vaccination

Even if a significant amount of time has passed, vaccination should resume from the last completed dose rather than restarting the entire schedule. Catch-up vaccination should be tailored to the child’s age and the vaccines they have missed.

  • If a child has never been vaccinated, they should receive the required doses as quickly as possible to ensure protection.
  • Reduced or split vaccine doses are not considered valid.
  • Depending on medical guidance, live and inactivated vaccines can be administered together without reducing immune response or increasing side effects.

Catch-Up Vaccination Schedule

Age Group Initial Vaccination 1 Month After Initial Dose 2 Months After Initial Dose 8 Months After Initial Dose
12 – 71 months DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis), IPV (Polio), Hib, Hepatitis B, Pneumococcal (PCV), BCG (after Mantoux test) Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) DTaP, IPV, Hib, PCV, Hepatitis B, OPV DTaP, IPV, Hepatitis B, OPV
6 – 13 years Td (Tetanus-Diphtheria), IPV (Polio), Hepatitis B, MMR – Td, Hepatitis B, IPV, MMR Td, Hepatitis B, IPV
14+ years Td, OPV, Hepatitis B, MMR – Td, OPV, Hepatitis B, MMR Td, Hepatitis B

Additional Recommendations

  • Pneumococcal vaccine (PCV):
    • 12-23 months: Two doses (2-month interval)
    • 24-59 months: Single dose
  • Hib and Pneumococcal vaccines are unnecessary for healthy children above 5 years, as natural immunity is typically developed.
  • If DTaP was incomplete, and a child is now 4 years old with only one dose remaining, no additional dose is needed between 4-6 years.
  • Children aged 6+ years can receive reduced-strength pertussis, diphtheria, and tetanus vaccines.
  • A second dose of MMR should be ensured between 4-6 years.
  • BCG vaccine should be administered based on PPD test results.
  • A single dose of Hib is sufficient for children aged 15-59 months; it is not needed for children over 60 months.

The Role of Vaccination in Public Health

Childhood immunization does not stop at early childhood—it continues during school years. Before vaccination, serological testing can be done to check for prior infection.

It is essential to emphasize that vaccines protect children from potentially life-threatening diseases. Delaying or avoiding vaccination places them at risk of preventable infections. Early immunization not only safeguards individuals but also contributes to herd immunity, reducing disease spread within the community.

By ensuring timely vaccinations, we can protect future generations and prevent the resurgence of deadly diseases.

For more information on vaccines and child health, visit Pediatriya.az.