All of these diseases can be prevented when children are immunized. A vaccine has been developed to immunize children from each of these diseases. Children either swallow or are injected with the vaccine. After the vaccine has been administered, the body produces disease-fighting substances called antibodies. The antibodies fight specific organisms as they enter the body that can cause these diseases.
Some immunizations require only one dose of the vaccine.
Others require several doses to build up complete protection. In March 1992 the American Academy of Pediatrics also suggested that infants be immunized for Hepatitis B. Hepatitis B is a very serious liver infection caused by the Hepatitis B virus. The virus is passed from one person to another in blood or through other body fluids. The virus can cause serious damage to the liver, liver failure, and even death. As a child care professional you may be required to keep immunization records of the children in your care.