Vaccines are one of the most effective ways to protect you and your child from serious, sometimes deadly, infectious diseases. Below is the current South African Vaccine schedule, in line with recommendations from WHO (World Health Organization). Also on the list are four immunisations included in the private immunisation schedule namely: Meningitis, Hepatitis A, Chickenpox, and Measles Mumps and German measles (MMR). These are equally important for your child to have. At Thrive we offer all of the immunisations.
Immunisation Schedule
| Age of Child | Recommended Vaccine | Disease | Site Of Administration |
| Birth | BCGOPV | TuberculosisOral Polio | Right ArmOral Drops |
| 6 weeks | OPV | Oral Polio | |
| RV | Rotavirus Vaccine | Oral Liquid | |
| DTaP-IPV-Hib-HepB | DiphtheriaTetanusAcellular PertussisInjectable polioHaemophyllis Influenza bHepatitis B | Injection on the thigh | |
| PCV | Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine | Injection in the thigh | |
| 10 weeks | DTaP-IPV-Hib-HepB | As above | Injection in the thigh |
| 14 weeks | RV | As above | Oral Liquid |
| DTaP-IPV-Hib-HepB | As above | Injection in the thigh | |
| PCV | As above | Injection in the thigh | |
| 6 Months | Measles | Measles | Injection in the thigh |
| 9 Months | PCV | As above | Injection in the thigh |
| 10 1/2 Months | Menactra (PVT schedule)Varilrix (PVT) | MeningitisChicken pox | Injection to thighs |
| 12 months | Measles (Gov) or MMR (PVT) | (Measles, Mumps and German Measles) | Injection on arm |
| Hep A (PVT) | Hepatitis A | Injection on arm | |
| 13 Months | Varilrix Booster | As above | Injection on arm |
| 15 Month | MMR (PVT) | As Above | Injection on arm |
| 18 Month | DTaP-IPV-Hib-HepB | As Above | Injection on arm |
| Hep A Booster (PVT) | AS above | Injection on arm | |
| 2 Years | Menactra Booster (PVT) | As above | Injection on arm |
| 6 Years | TD | Tetanus, Reduced dose Diphtheria Vaccine) | Injection on arm |
| 9 Years | Cervarix/ Guardisil (PVT) | Cervical Cancer | Injection on arm |
| 12 Years | TD | As above | Injection on arm |
Why it is important to vaccinate
- Vaccines prevent diseases: they work with your bodies natural defences to build immunity against specific diseases. This protection can last for many years, or even be lifelong.
- They are safe to use and allergic reactions are very rare. Vaccines are rigorously tested for safety and efficiency before they are licensed for use. They have a good long-term safety record.
- They can save lives. Vaccines have helped to eliminate, or nearly eliminate deadly diseases like Smallpox and Polio. They also protect against serious illnesses like Measles, Whooping cough, Meningitis and Influenza.
- They protect against secondary complications like pneumonia, septicaemia, convulsions, hearing loss, brain damage and possible death.
- They protect those that cannot be vaccinated.
At THRIVE we always use at most, gentle care when immunisations need to be administered. Safety is essential, and we have an inverter and fridge thermometer, to ensure that vaccines are stored properly, to prevent adverse reactions or the risk of the vaccine not being effective.
When babies are little, we apply Emily gel to the thighs. I ask the parent to hold the baby and afterwards we comfort the baby with the ‘magic hold’ so that they can settle quickly. And then can be nursed and comforted by mom.
All the toddlers have the numbing gel, sit on the parents lap, and we use a distracting toy (Minnie mouse). The pricks are done really quickly and they are offered a biscuit. Then they are taken outside to get some fresh air and look for the ‘monkeys.’
There are many gentle ways you can prepare your child for vaccination. Here are some tips:
- Explain to your child beforehand the purpose of vaccines and how they work. There are lots of lovely cartoon video clips that explain nicely. Explain that they will get a shot, but that it will be quick and they will be okay. With some children it is not advisable to explain too far in advance as they overthink it, so leave it to me. xx
- Be calm and reassuring. Let your child sit on your lap, this will help them feel secure.
- I will help you distract your child.
- I like to use a topical anaesthetic. This can help to numb the area where the shot will be given.
- Choose a time when your child is well rested and fed. This will help them be more relaxed and less likely to feel pain.
- If your child is old enough, let them choose a sticker or small toy to receive after the vaccination. This will help them feel rewarded and positive about the experience.
It is important to remember that every child is different. What works for one child may not work for another. I can help advise the best way to handle it with your child’s personality. The most important thing is to be patient and understanding.
If you have any questions or concerns about vaccinating your child, you are welcome to talk to me and send me a pic of your child’s Road to Health chart. I can help you decide which vaccines are right for you and your family.
Love Andrea
