Vaccination: Health24: Parenting

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Vaccination

Here is up-to-date information on vaccinations for children. We explain why they are important, how they work and when your child should be vaccinated.

Different types of vaccines

There are a number of vaccines available. This section provides information about the different vaccines.

Multiple doses and boosters

Have you ever wondered why your child needs more than one dose of a vaccine and why they need boosters? It is not only a cruel trick - there are good reasons for it.

Immunisation schedule

Routine immunisation schedule in South Africa

Pneumococcal disease backgrounder

Pneumococcal disease is a significant concern to children’s health worldwide, estimated to result in more than one million deaths each year.

Vaccines against viral diseases

Most vaccines against viral infections are effective at preventing disease.

Meningitis: 10 quick facts

Meningitis has killed 3 South Africans. Here are 10 facts on this life-threatening condition.

How do vaccines work?

Vaccines contain proteins (antigens) which come from the micro-organisms that cause the diseases they are aimed at preventing, or sometimes micro-organisms that have been altered.

Why should a child be vaccinated?

Vaccines are one of the most important strategies available to help prevent infectious diseases. Vaccines have helped to eliminate certain diseases and make others very uncommon.

Side-effects

All vaccines can result in some fever, general grumpiness and in some cases, pain at the site of the injection. This can be treated with paracetamol in the same way as any fever.

A critical look at vaccination

Are some kids sacrificed for the greater good? Bearing the reservations of concerned parents in mind, it may be worthwhile to have a critical look at the benefits of vaccination.