However, instead of getting their shots right after birth we had to wait two months. We had to wait because of the fact that while a child is in the womb they receive antibodies from their mother. Antibodies are also called immunoglobulins (Ig for short). Immunoglobulins (antibodies) come in 5 basic types (IgG, IgM, IgD, IgE, IgA). One type of antibody IgG can cross the placenta and get into the babies' blood stream. These antibodies are also called maternal antibodies.
When a child is born their blood contains all the IgG antibodies the mother has. Nearly, all mothers have antibodies to the diseases we vaccinate against. These maternal antibodies protect children from illnesses for awhile after being born. They will circulate in the child's blood stream and help eliminate disease-causing microorganisms before they have a chance to grow and cause disease. Unfortunately, antibodies can't tell the difference between a microbial infection and a vaccination. If a child is vaccinated while maternal antibodies are circulating in their blood stream those antibodies will eliminate the foreign material in the vaccine before the babies' immune system has a chance to see and react to the vaccine. So for awhile there is no need to vaccinate our children because maternal antibodies are protecting them.
Eventually, those maternal antibodies wear out and are eliminated from the child's blood stream. At about 2 months of age maternal antibodies are less numerous and giving vaccines will activate the child's immune system. Just one shot does not give long-term protection and as a result all children need booster shots as well.
I dislike waiting for things I feel are good for my children however, in this case, waiting is good. Vaccines given too soon are not effective at preventing illness. Next week I think it might be good to discuss why we need booster shots.
Take Care and Think Microbiologically!
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