When we get sick, the first thing we reach for is the medicine for cough and colds as this is the surefire way to avoid any further complications but did you know that there is another way to prevent illnesses? It's called a vaccine. It can be in a single dosage or several which must be done over a period of time. The first is the strongest dose and the following are the booster shots. Some vaccines are just a onetime thing while others must be repeated after a certain amount of time such as a year or even ten years. We've listed down for you a list of vaccines you MUST give your child to protect them from any serious illness.

Polio

There was a time when polio became one of the most feared illnesses known to mankind. In 1916, over nine thousand cases were recorded along with a 25% death rate. It wasn’t until the 1950s that a method of prevention was found: the Salk vaccine. Today, mothers are encouraged to vaccinate their children against Polio with the first injection at two months followed by booster shots at 4 months, 6-18 months and finally, 4-6 years.

Measles, Mumps and Rubella

Did you hear about the recent measles in Disneyland California? It is believe the cause of the fast spread of the illness was the low vaccination rate among the infected. To prevent measles, simply get the MMR Vaccine or Measles, Mumps and Rubella Vaccine. The first dose is given between 12-15 months of age with the booster shot at around four to six years of age.

Varicella

Varicella, or better known as Chicken pox, is one sickness no kid would want as it means being stuck at home with an itchy body for weeks. One way to prevent it is by having your child injected with the vaccine at age at 12 to 15 months followed by a booster shot at four to six years of age.

Hepatitis A and B

There are five hepatitis illnesses, ranging from Hepatitis A to E. Each one is different from each other in reference to the virus that caused it. There is no cure but there is a preventive measure in the form of vaccines for Hepatitis A and B. Shots for Hepatitis B is a must for children and must be given a few days after birth followed by a booster shot at six week, ten weeks and 14 weeks.

Pneumococcal

Did you know that you can protect yourself against 23 types of pneumonia bacteria with the Pneumococcal vaccine? It is initially given at six weeks followed by booster shots at ten and 14 weeks.

DTP

As kids, once we are wounded our mother would often ask if it was caused by a rusty nail. This is because they are afraid that we might get tetanus which is a toxin that can enter our body by open wounds. Fortunately, there is a way to prevent that in the form of the Diptheria, Tetanus and Pertussis (whooping cough) vaccine, also known as DTP. It must be given at six weeks followed by booster shots at 10 weeks and at 14 weeks of age.

HIB Vaccine

You may not have heart of it but the Haemophilus influenzae type b can cause serious infections that can be quite life threatening. It can cause meningitis, an inflammation of the brain's covering and spinal cord. Hib vaccine must be given at 2 months then at four, six and 12 to 15 months.

BCG

If you are diagnosed with tuberculosis, you will have a lengthy treatment process. You are not allowed to miss even a day of not taking your medicine else you restart the medication cycle of six month. BCG is an effective method to prevent it along with the treatment of several bladder cancers. It must be given a few days after birth.

Rotavirus

One of the illnesses no mother would want their child to catch is the rotavirus as it can cause severe diarrhea, vomiting and fever. Moms, you can stop this from happening by getting your precious bundle of joy vaccinated at six week, ten weeks and at six months.

Have your child vaccinated as you will be doing not only your family but other families a favour as well by doing so. If your child has had an adverse reaction to any of these vaccines, consult your doctor to know what steps to take.