How vaccines work
Vaccines train the body to fight disease before it strikes.
- A vaccine safely teaches the immune system to recognize a germ.
- If the child meets the real disease later, the body is ready.
- Vaccines prevent measles, polio, whooping cough, TB, and more.
- They protect your child and, by stopping spread, the community.
The early vaccine schedule
A general guide — follow your country's schedule.
| Age | Typical vaccines |
|---|
| At birth | BCG (TB), hepatitis B, polio (as advised) |
| 6, 10, 14 weeks | Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, Hib, more |
| 9 months | Measles (first dose, varies) |
| Toddler years | Boosters and additional doses |
| Keep the card | Bring it to every visit |
Schedules vary by country — follow your clinic's schedule and keep the vaccination card.
Reactions: what's normal
Mild reactions are common and pass quickly.
- Mild fever, or a sore, red spot where the shot was given.
- A bit of fussiness or sleepiness for a day or two.
- These are normal signs the body is building protection.
- Comfort with feeding, closeness, and fluids; ask about fever care.
Immunization terms
- Vaccine: A safe preparation that teaches the body to fight a specific disease.
- Immunization: Becoming protected against a disease, usually through vaccination.
- Vaccination card: Your child's record of vaccines — bring it to every visit.
- Herd protection: When most are vaccinated, disease can't spread easily, protecting all.
- Booster: An extra dose that strengthens and extends protection.
- Catch-up: Giving missed doses later to restore protection.
Myth or reality?
Tap each statement about vaccines.
- Vaccines are among the safest, most tested tools in medicine (Reality) — Vaccines are rigorously tested and monitored, and prevent deadly diseases.
- You should skip vaccines if your child seems healthy (Myth) — Vaccines work by protecting BEFORE exposure — keep them on time even when well.
- A mild fever after a vaccine is a normal reaction (Reality) — Mild fever or soreness is common and shows the body is building protection.
- A missed vaccine can never be caught up (Myth) — Missed doses can be caught up — go to your clinic as soon as you can.
The first measles dose is often given around 9 months (it varies by country). Measles is dangerous for young children, so this vaccine is vital — follow your local schedule and don't miss it.
Helps protection or a risk?
Tap each item, then whether it helps or is a risk.
- Keeping vaccines on schedule (Helps protection)
- Bringing the vaccination card (Helps protection)
- Catching up missed doses (Helps protection)
- Skipping shots when child seems well (A risk to avoid)
- Delaying vaccines during an outbreak (A risk to avoid)
- Stopping the series after one dose (A risk to avoid)
Keeping vaccines on track
A few habits keep protection strong.
- Attend every scheduled vaccine visit; bring the card.
- Complete the full series — several doses give full protection.
- If a dose is missed, book a catch-up soon.
- Ask any questions — health workers are there to help.
When to seek care after a vaccine
Rare, but know the true warning signs.
- High fever that won't settle, or a fever with a very unwell child.
- Trouble breathing, swelling of the face or mouth, or a widespread rash.
- A convulsion, or a child who is very floppy or unresponsive.
- Any danger sign — seek care right away.
Recap & what's next
- Vaccines safely train the body to fight serious disease.
- Keep them on schedule and keep the vaccination card.
- Mild fever or soreness is a normal reaction.
- Next: common childhood illnesses and home care.
