The Happy Child Clinic

Types of Vaccines

1. Live-Attenuated Vaccines
Contain weakened forms of the pathogen that can still replicate but not cause disease.
Examples
Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine Varicella (chickenpox) vaccine Rotavirus vaccine
2. Inactivated (Killed) Vaccines
Contain pathogens that have been killed or inactivated, so they can’t replicate but still trigger an immune response.
Examples
Polio (IPV) vaccine Hepatitis A vaccine
3. Subunit, Recombinant, Polysaccharide, and Conjugate Vaccines
Contain parts of the pathogen (like proteins or sugars) that trigger an immune response.
Examples
Hepatitis B vaccine Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccine
4. mRNA Vaccines
Use messenger RNA to instruct cells to produce a protein that triggers an immune response.
Examples
COVID-19 vaccines (Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna).
5. Toxoid Vaccines
Contain inactivated toxins produced by the pathogen to prevent diseases caused by bacterial toxins.
Examples
Diphtheria vaccine Tetanus vaccine

Birth to 6 Years

Birth
Hepatitis B (1st dose)
2 Months
DTaP, IPV, Hib, Hep B (2nd dose), Rotavirus, Pneumococcal
4 Months
DTaP, IPV, Hib, Rotavirus, Pneumococcal
6 Months
DTaP, IPV, Hib, Hep B (3rd dose), Rotavirus, Pneumococcal, Influenza (annual)
12-15 Months
MMR, Varicella, Hepatitis A, Hib, Pneumococcal
4-6 Years
DTaP, IPV, MMR, Varicella

Prevents Life-Threatening Diseases
Protects against severe illnesses like polio, measles, and meningitis.
Reduces Disease Transmission
Herd immunity protects those who cannot be vaccinated (e.g., newborns, immunocompromised individuals).
Minimizes Healthcare Costs
Reduces hospitalizations and the economic burden of treating preventable diseases.
Promotes Global Health
Contributes to the eradication of diseases like smallpox and reduces the prevalence of others.

Mild Reactions

Soreness or redness at the injection site.

Mild fever or fatigue.
Moderate Reactions

Swelling or pain at the injection site.

Temporary irritability or loss of appetite.
Severe Reactions (Rare)

Allergic reactions (anaphylaxis).

Seizures or high fever.

Myth

Vaccines cause autism.

Too many vaccines weaken a child’s immune system.
Fact

Multiple studies have shown no link between vaccines and autism.

The immune system can handle multiple vaccines, and they help strengthen immunity.

Severe Allergies

History of an allergic reaction to a previous dose or vaccine component.
Acute Illness

Moderate or severe illness with or without fever.
Immunocompromised Status

Certain live vaccines may be contraindicated for immunocompromised children.

School and Travel Requirements

Proof of immunization is often required for school entry and international travel.
Medical History

Accurate records ensure timely boosters and prevent unnecessary repeat vaccinations.
Public Health Monitoring

Helps track vaccination coverage and disease prevention efforts.