It is important to know the rules of immunizing premature babies

Unlike most babies, extra care is needed for premature babies. One thing that is often asked, is whether premature babies should be immunized like babies in general and when should the immunizations be carried out? This is a concern given the condition of premature babies who tend to be weak because they were born outside normal times. Then, what are the provisions of immunization for premature babies? The following is the review.

Do premature babies need immunizations?

Premature babies are babies born long before the normal time of birth. Normally, babies are born at 37-40 weeks of gestation, while premature babies are born at less than 37 weeks of gestation.

In general, the characteristics of a premature baby are looking very small and have a low weight. Not only that, there are various risks of health problems in premature babies and developmental problems.

In fact, some premature babies need to receive intensive care with NICU support orneonatal intensive care unit.

This fact sometimes makes parents think that their babies are too fragile to get immunized. Even though the fact is, immunization is mandatory for children.

Not only that, immunization is actually needed by premature babies because their immune system is very weak, so they are at risk of contracting various diseases.

By getting immunizations that have been recommended, the diseases that are feared can actually be prevented.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says the vaccines currently available for babies are safe to administer to premature babies and babies with low birth weight.

The side effects that may appear after the vaccine are the same as for babies born at full term.

When should premature babies be immunized?

If immunizations need to be done, when do premature babies need to get them? The answer is the same as the immunization schedule for babies born at term. The age of premature babies is calculated from the date of birth, no different from other babies in general.

It is also important to provide immunizations to premature babies in a timely manner. The reason is, seeing from what causes the baby to be born prematurely, the condition is more at risk of developing various diseases.

In fact, some babies who are born very early and who need a NICU may need additional doses of some vaccines to provide longer-lasting protection.

Although the immunization schedule is the same, there are several vaccines that may need to be postponed in premature babies due to certain conditions. The following are the vaccines and their conditions:

Hepatitis B

Babies need to get at least three shots of hepatitis B, that is, at birth, at 2,3,4 months of age. It should also be noted that the hepatitis B vaccine is needed no later than 24 hours after birth.

However, for pregnant women who are positive for hepatitis B during pregnancy or at delivery, their babies need to receive the hepatitis B vaccine at most 12 hours after birth and hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG).

In immunization for premature babies, the same thing needs to be done. However, if the premature baby has a birth weight under 2 kg, hepatitis B vaccine should be postponed at 2 months of age in the hope that the body weight will reach 2 kilograms at that time.

The reason is, the hepatitis B vaccine cannot work well in babies weighing less than 2 kg

BCG

The BCG vaccine is an immunization to prevent tuberculosis (TB) in children, including premature babies.

Just like the hepatitis B vaccine, the BCG vaccine is also a mandatory vaccine for infants and is generally provided free of charge by the government through posyandu.

The BCG vaccine is given at birth or when the baby is one month old. However, immunization in preterm infants born under 34 weeks of gestation will not immediately receive the BCG vaccine.

The reason is, this vaccine will not work well at that age. So, the vaccine will be done by waiting for a doctor's direction.

Rotavirus

Unlike the hepatitis B and BCG vaccines, the rotavirus vaccine is not mandatory by the government. However, this type of vaccine can be an additional vaccine recommended for immunizing premature babies.

The rotavirus vaccine is usually given at 6-14 weeks of age infants. It is recommended that premature babies born at 32 weeks of age receive this vaccine on time.

However, premature babies born under 32 weeks of age cannot get the vaccine at that age range. In fact, this vaccine may or may not be delayed.

However, it's a good idea to consult with your pediatrician to find out for sure about immunizations for premature babies. Also make sure that the baby is in a stable condition.

Polio

Polio is a highly contagious disease caused by the polio virus and directly attacks the nervous system. It should be noted that this disease can cause paralysis as well as death.

You also need wasapada, because this triple virus usually affects children under 5 who are not fully vaccinated.

Therefore, you need to immunize the polio vaccine for premature babies who have passed the age of 2 months. In addition, pay attention if the baby weighs more than 2000 grams.

DPT

DPT is a disease of diphtheria, pertussis, and also tetanus. Diphtheria is a serious infection of the throat that can interfere with breathing.

Then tetanus is a neurological disease caused by poison-producing bacteria that contaminate the wound.

While pertussis is a respiratory disease that causes a severe cough. Serious complications can occur in children under 1 year of age as well as infants of 6 months.

Therefore, immunization for premature babies can also be done when they are past the age of 2 months with sufficient body weight, which is more than 2000 grams.

Influenza

As explained a little above, premature babies have a higher risk of health problems. Including the risk of complications from flu such as breathing problems, heart problems, to neurological disorders.

Even though you can't immediately get the flu vaccine, this immunization for premature babies can be done when the baby reaches 6 months of age. At least, premature babies get two doses of vaccine with an interval of 4 weeks.

After that, the child can get one dose each year. However, consult your doctor again to get the right treatment.

Things to know about immunization in premature babies

During pregnancy, there are many ways you can anticipate and prevent your baby from being born prematurely.

However, there are other unpredictable factors that can lead to premature birth.

Although there is the kangaroo method as one of the most effective treatments, you should not forget the importance of immunization for premature babies.

Here are some things to know about immunization in premature babies:

1. Prevent disease

It is natural for you to worry about what to do for the condition of premature babies.

However, keep in mind that the vaccine from immunization for premature babies is a preventive measure so that the baby does not get an infection.

Infection from certain conditions is an opportunity for other diseases to occur.

2. Safe to do

Quoted from Healthy Children, all available vaccines are safe to administer to premature babies and babies with low body weight. Even though premature babies do not have a very good immune system, this immunization is expected to work well.

It is common for babies to experience sleep disturbances for the next day or two.

We recommend that you consult your doctor what you can do to overcome this.

3. The side effects are the same

After each immunization, side effects are a common concern for parents. Moreover, premature babies also have conditions that are more vulnerable.

However, you should not worry about the side effects that can occur. This is because the side effects of getting the vaccine in premature babies are similar to those of babies born according to a normal schedule.