Purpose and Indications of Immunization

Immunization aims to protect yourself from various diseases that are dangerous or at risk of causing death. Immunization can also be a way to form herd immunity.

This is important to prevent the spread of disease to people who cannot undergo immunization. In other words, the more people who get immunized, the fewer people who are infected with the disease.

Immunization Warnings and Prohibitions

It is important to remember that people who have had a severe allergic reaction to a previous immunization or are allergic to an ingredient in the vaccine should not receive the immunization. Patients with cancer or autoimmune diseases who have weak immune systems are also generally not allowed to undergo immunization.

Before Immunization

There are no special preparations that need to be made by mother and child before immunization. However, mothers are encouraged to bring a mother and child health book (KIA book), or an immunization record book, as well as personal identification.

When you arrive at the immunization site, tell your doctor about any medications you are currently taking, including herbal products and supplements. Furthermore, the doctor may do a brief physical examination before giving immunizations.

Immunization Types and Side Effects

There are several types of vaccines that are required in the mandatory immunization program. Each type of vaccine can cause side effects or post-immunization adverse events (AEFI). This usually occurs as a result of a natural reaction from the immune system when receiving immunizations.

AEFIs that arise as a result of immunization can be mild in nature, such as feeling unwell, mild pain, or fever. However, sometimes AEFIs can be severe and cause a severe allergic reaction, such as anaphylactic shock. However, this severe reaction is rare.

The followings are the types of vaccines and the AEFIs they cause:

1. Hepatitis B

The hepatitis B vaccine is given to prevent transmission of the hepatitis B virus. AEFIs that can occur with the hepatitis B vaccine are:

  • Pain at the injection area
  • Easily tired
  • Fever
  • Skin itching and redness
  • Swollen face

2. Polio

Polio immunization is given to prevent polio. Polio immunization AEFI reactions include:

  • Fever
  • Easily tired
  • Red rash and itching on the skin
  • Loss of appetite

3. BCG

The BCG vaccine is given to protect the body from tuberculosis ( TB ). AEFIs to the BCG vaccine are:

  • Red rash at the injection area
  • Fever
  • Pain when urinating
  • Stomach ache
  • Vomit

4. DPT

DPT immunization is a combined vaccine to prevent diphtheria, whooping cough (pertussis), and tetanus. Giving DPT immunization can cause AEFI, such as:

  • Tired
  • Fever
  • Loss of appetite
  • Vomit
  • Pain at the injection area

5. Hib

The Hib vaccine aims to prevent Haemophilus influenza type B bacterial infection. This bacterial infection can trigger diseases, such as inflammation of the lining of the brain (meningitis), inflammation of the lungs (pneumonia), arthritis ( septic arthritis ), and inflammation of the lining of the heart (pericarditis). ).

AEFI reactions to the Hib vaccine include:

  • Swelling or redness in the injection area
  • Loss of appetite
  • Sleepy
  • Fever

6. Measles

Measles immunization is safe and effective for preventing measles. AEFI reactions to measles immunization include:

  • Pain or swelling in the area where the injection was made
  • Red rash
  • Joint pain
  • Fever

7. MMR

The MMR vaccine is a combination vaccine to protect children against measles, mumps, and rubella. These three conditions can cause dangerous complications, such as meningitis, inflammation of the testicles ( orchitis ), or hearing loss (deafness).

The MMR vaccine AEFI reactions are:

  • Fever for 2–3 days
  • Itchy skin
  • Swelling, redness and pain at the injection site

8. PCV

The PCV (pneumococcal) vaccine is given to prevent pneumonia, meningitis, and septicemia, which are caused by the Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria. PCV AEFI reactions include:

  • Swelling and redness in the injected area
  • Fever

9. Rotavirus

This vaccination is given to prevent diarrhea due to rotavirus infection. Just like other vaccines, the rotavirus vaccine can also cause AEFIs, such as:

  • Itchy rash
  • Vomiting or nausea
  • Diarrhea
  • Wheezing or wheezing
  • Heartbeat

10. Influenza

The influenza vaccine is given to prevent the flu. This vaccine can cause AEFI reactions, such as:

  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Sore throat
  • Muscle ache
  • Headache
  • Pain in the ear
  • Chest tightness

11. Types

This vaccine is given to prevent typhus, which is an infection caused by the bacterium Salmonella typhi. Typhus vaccine AEFI reactions include:

  • Itchy rash
  • Fever
  • Swelling of the face, lips or tongue
  • The arm that was injected hurts when pressed
  • Headache

12. Hepatitis A

As the name implies, this immunization aims to prevent hepatitis A which is caused by infection with the hepatitis A virus. The hepatitis A vaccination AEFIs that can occur include:

  • Fever
  • Nauseous
  • Loss of appetite
  • Headache
  • It’s hard to breathe
  • Swelling of the face, lips or tongue
  • Red rash or swelling at the injection site

13. Varicella

Varicella immunization is given to prevent chickenpox, an infection caused by the Varicella zoster virus. AEFIs that may occur include:

  • Pain, redness and swelling at the injection site
  • A lump in the injected area
  • Fever

14. HPV

The HPV vaccine is given to teenage girls to prevent cervical cancer. HPV AEFIs can be:

  • Headache
  • Fever
  • The arm that was injected is red and painful
  • Faint

15. Japanese encephalitis

Japanese encephalitis (JE) is a viral infection of the brain that is spread through mosquito bites. This disease can be prevented by giving JE vaccination. Some of the AEFIs that can appear after the vaccination are:

  • The injection site is red, swollen or painful when pressed
  • Headache
  • Muscle ache
  • Fever

16. Dengue

Dengue vaccination is done to reduce the risk of getting dengue fever and prevent DHF symptoms from becoming severe. AEFIs that can occur after undergoing this vaccination include:

  • Headache
  • Muscle ache
  • Fever
  • skin rash

17. Covid-19

Although not included in the list of basic immunizations for children, the COVID-19 vaccine is also recommended for children aged 6-11 years. The COVID-19 vaccine can cause the following AEFI reactions:

  • Fever
  • Easily tired
  • Stinging or soreness around the injected area
  • Headache
  • Diarrhea
  • Sore joints or muscles

Immunization Schedule

Complete routine immunization consists of basic immunization and follow-up immunization. Following are details of a complete routine immunization schedule according to the child’s age:

Basic immunization

  • Newborn: Hepatitis B dose 1
  • Age 1 month: BCG dose 1
  • Age 2 months: Hepatitis B dose 2, polio dose 1 , DTP dose 1, Hib dose 1, PCV dose 1, rotavirus dose 1
  • Age 3 months: Hepatitis B dose 2, polio dose 2, DTP dose 2, Hib dose 2, rotavirus dose 2
  • Age 4 months: Hepatitis B dose 3, polio dose 3, DTP dose 3, Hib dose 3, rotavirus dose 3
  • Age 6 months: PCV dose 2, rotavirus dose 2, influenza
  • Age 9 months: MR and JE

Advanced immunization

  • Age 12–24 months: PCV, varicella, hepatitis B, polio, DTP, Hib, MR/MMR, hepatitis A
  • Ages 2–3 years: JE
  • Ages 5–7 years: MR/MMR
  • Ages 9–14 years: HPV
  • Age 9–16 years: Dengue

When to see a doctor

Before your child receives immunizations, tell the doctor if he has a history of allergies, autoimmune diseases or cancer. In addition, check with your child to the doctor if AEFI symptoms appear that do not go away, get worse, or have the following complaints:

  • Severe swelling or open sores at the injection site
  • High fever temperature over 39 o C
  • Not wanting to suckle or eat
  • Very limp
  • seizures
  • Loss of consciousness

After Immunization

Immunization has been confirmed safe. However, it is possible that side effects or AEFIs will appear as mentioned above. However, you don’t need to worry, because AEFI can be treated independently according to the symptoms.

Some ways to overcome the side effects of immunization in children are:

  • Give warm compresses and febrifuge according to the doctor’s prescription
  • Give more drink
  • Change children’s clothes with thin ones and don’t cover them
  • Breastfeed more often
  • Ensuring children eat nutritious food

Immediately seek medical help in the emergency room if the following symptoms appear after immunization:

  • Anaphylactic reactions, such as shortness of breath, cold sweat, and swelling of the eyes, lips and tongue, up to fainting
  • Stomach enlarged, fussy, unable to suckle or eat, unable to defecate and pass gas
  • Widespread bruising or bleeding at the injection site
  • Swelling and pus appearing at the injection site
  • seizures