Information
Information on Childhood Vaccines
I plan and give the vaccines in the national schedule as well as optional additional vaccines, and follow together with you that the schedule stays on track.
What is childhood vaccination?
Vaccination is the most effective way of protecting children against vaccine-preventable diseases. In Turkey, vaccines are given under the national schedule of the Ministry of Health; the schedule starts with hepatitis B at birth and is completed with booster doses at school age. In my practice I plan and give both the national schedule and optional additional vaccines.
How do I work?
- At every visit we go over the doses given and agree together when the next dose is due.
- I combine the vaccination visit with a short examination and check in advance for conditions, such as a febrile illness, that call for postponing.
- I do not skip the 15 to 20 minutes of observation after the vaccine or the advice for going home.
Vaccines outside the schedule
Rotavirus, meningococcal, flu and HPV vaccines, as well as products that protect babies against RSV, are not part of the national schedule but are valuable for many children. The pneumococcal vaccine is in the national schedule; pneumococcal vaccines with broader coverage than the one in the schedule can also be discussed. We assess together at a visit whether these options suit your child, based on age, health and current scientific recommendations.
Delayed doses
For doses delayed by illness, travel or any other reason I draw up a catch-up plan; no vaccine is started over, and the remaining doses are completed at suitable intervals.
Frequently asked questions
Can vaccinations be given at your practice?
Yes. I assess and give both the vaccines in the national schedule and optional vaccines at the examination.
We missed a dose. Is the schedule ruined?
No. A delayed dose does not restart the schedule; we complete the remaining doses at intervals appropriate for your child's age.
Is a fever after vaccination normal?
A mild fever and fussiness in the day or two after some vaccines can occur and usually passes on its own. If the fever is high and does not come down, or your child seems generally unwell, contact me or a health facility.
Can more than one vaccine be given on the same day?
Yes, it is safe and is often preferred so the schedule stays on track. It does not weaken the immune response.
Other areas of interest
The Most Common Acute Illnesses in Childhood
I assess sudden-onset conditions such as fever, cough, diarrhoea and rashes, and draw the right line between home care and further investigation.
DetailsChildhood Obesity and Nutrition Guidance
From poor appetite to weight management, from picky eating to iron deficiency: together we shape your child's nutrition for their age.
DetailsFollow-up of Children with Allergy and Eczema
I assess food and respiratory allergies, eczema and recurrent wheezing, and build the daily care plan together with the family.
Details