What you need to know about immunizations.

From the moment babies come into the world, they are exposed to germs and diseases. Unfortunately, the immune system of newborns and children are not able to fight these diseases, making them less likely to survive if they get sick before they can be protected. That is why so many young children under the age of 5 years die in Africa. Immunizations or vaccinations are your way of protecting your child from death or complications of these diseases.

This is the immunization schedule you should follow if you hope to protect your child fully.

·       BCG (Bacilli Calmette Guerin)—at birth or as soon as possible after birth.

·       OPV (Oral Polio Vaccine)—at birth and at 6, 10, and 14 weeks of age.

·       DPT (Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus)—at 6, 10, and 14 weeks of age.

·       Hepatitis B—at birth, 6 and 14 weeks.

·       Measles—at 9 months of age

Ask your doctor or medical team about immunizations before your baby is born to make sure he or she can be immunized at the right time. Every parent should take immunization of their children seriously to avoid unpleasant complications in the future.