What are the mandatory Category II vaccines?

Vaccination is nothing new to parents, especially those who have just had a child, who have a deep enough understanding of vaccines. Clinically, there are still many types of vaccines. Fortunately, the country’s policies are good, and many vaccines are required and all are free. Parents only need to take their children for vaccination on time. Of course, in addition to the free ones, there are also paid ones, which are the second-category vaccines. So, what are the second-category vaccines that must be taken?

Is it necessary to get the second type of self-paid vaccine?

Let’s first explain the difference between Class I vaccines and Class II vaccines: Class I vaccines are provided free of charge by the government and must be administered according to regulations. The second type of vaccine refers to vaccines that are taken at one’s own expense and on a voluntary basis.

Is it necessary to get the second type of vaccine? Yes!

According to my country's current level of economic development, it is not possible to provide all vaccines free of charge for the time being. But in some developed countries, second-category vaccines such as pneumonia vaccine, HIB vaccine, and varicella vaccine are free and mandatory. In terms of importance, there is no difference between Class I and Class II vaccines.

1. Pneumonia vaccine

Pneumonia is the leading cause of death among children aged 0-2 years in China. Because pneumonia can cause serious diseases such as otitis media and bacterial meningitis, preventive vaccination is particularly important.

Currently, domestic pneumonia vaccines include 13-valent and 23-valent vaccines. The so-called "price" means that the vaccine covers several types of pneumococcus. On the surface, 23 is better than 13, but for babies under 2 years old, the immune system cannot withstand too much stimulation, so the 23-valent vaccine is generally not recommended, and the 13-valent vaccine is more recommended.

13-valent: 6 weeks to 15 months old

The 13-valent pneumococcal vaccine is an upgraded and enhanced version of the 7-valent pneumococcal vaccine.

Approved for use in infants and young children aged 6 weeks to 15 months in China.

Vaccination time: Basic immunization is given 1 dose each at 2, 4, and 6 months of age, and booster immunization is given 1 dose at 12 to 15 months of age.

Note: If your baby is ≥5 months old, he or she may not be able to receive the vaccine. So if your baby is under six months old, hurry up and consult the vaccination hospital to see if he can still catch up. In addition, currently the 13-valent pneumococcal vaccine is only imported, while the domestically produced one is in the development stage and has not yet been launched on the market.

2. Haemophilus influenzae type B conjugate vaccine (HIB)

Haemophilus influenzae type b is the main pathogen that causes serious bacterial infections in babies. It is mainly transmitted through air droplets and can cause serious diseases such as childhood pneumonia, childhood meningitis, sepsis, myelitis, otitis media, pericarditis, etc. Generally speaking, babies under 5 years old, especially those aged 2 months to 2 years, are susceptible to infection. Vaccination is recommended.

Suitable age: under 5 years old, especially 2 months to 2 years old. Vaccination is usually not required for children over 5 years old.

Vaccination time: 2, 4, 6 and 12-15 months after the baby is born. The starting time is different, and the number of vaccination doses and intervals are also different.