What are the main infant vaccines in Saudi Arabia?

Benefits of vaccines

In the past few years, there has been a lot of chatter about the usefulness of vaccines for children, amidst a huge storm of conspiracy theories and misinformation. However, the conclusion from hundreds of studies and medical research papers done over the years, is that adverse reactions to vaccines are rare and in most cases minor. And the protection offered by the vaccines from the complications of contagious disease caused by viruses and bacteria, are by far greater than the side effects. Children’s immunity responses are different and the way their bodies deal with illness is different, therefore it is hard to predict how a child will react to a contagious disease such as measles or chickenpox, which can have serious complications in the absence of immunization.

Do vaccines cause Autism?

There have been many conspiracy theories allegedly connecting Autism to vaccines. But after several studies and observations, no concrete proof could be established for a link between Autism and child immunizations. It is always best to discuss any doubts o concerns you have with the pediatrician without following rumors and false information from unreliable sources.

Tips to ease vaccination symptoms

Common side effects of vaccines

• Pain in the injection site.
• Slight temperature increase.
• Swelling

You can ease these symptoms by using cold compresses, to ease pain and swelling. You can also give a pain killer that acts as a fever reducer as well after consulting with your child’s doctor about the suitable dose.

Serious and rare symptoms

If your child experiences any of these symptoms take him or her to the emergency room right away.

• Difficulty breathing.
• Weakness.
• Loss of consciousness.

Children's immunization schedule in Saudi Arabia

• At birth

- Hepatitis B vaccine HepB.

• At two months

1. Hepatitis B vaccine HepB.
2. Rotavirus Vaccine RV.
3. Diphtheria, tetanus, & acellular pertussis DTaP
4. Haemophilus influenza type b
5. Pneumococcal conjugate PCV.
6. Inactivated poliovirus IPV.

• At four months

1. Hepatitis B vaccine HepB.
2. Rotavirus Vaccine RV.
3. Diphtheria, tetanus, & acellular pertussis DTaP.
4. Haemophilus influenza type b Hib.
5. Pneumococcal conjugate PCV.
6. Inactivated poliovirus IPV.

• At six months

1. BCG vaccine for tuberculosis.
2. Hepatitis B vaccine HepB.
3. Rotavirus Vaccine RV.
4. Diphtheria, tetanus, & acellular pertussis
5. Haemophilus influenza type b Hib.
6. Pneumococcal conjugate PCV.
7. Inactivated poliovirus IPV.
8. Oral polio vaccine OPV.

• At nine months

1. Measles vaccine.
2. The meningococcal conjugate vaccine

• At one year of age

1. Pneumococcal conjugate
2. Oral polio vaccine OPV.
3. The meningococcal conjugate vaccine
4. Measles, Mumps, and Rubella MMR.

Source The Saudi Ministry of Health