Clinical summary
Preventive pediatrics covers timely delivery of the national immunisation schedule, optional vaccines discussed with the family, regular well-child visits, monitoring of growth curves and assessment of developmental milestones. The vaccination plan is personalised for each child according to age, health status and previous doses.
The national immunisation schedule
In Türkiye, the expanded immunisation programme run by the Ministry of Health includes vaccines such as hepatitis B, BCG (tuberculosis), diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus, polio, Hib, pneumococcus, measles-rubella-mumps, hepatitis A and chickenpox.
At clinic visits the vaccination card is reviewed, missing doses are identified and the timing of the next administration is planned. When the schedule is delayed, vaccines are generally not restarted; they are completed from where they left off according to catch-up schedules.
Optional (private) vaccines
Some vaccines fall outside the national schedule but still protect against the relevant diseases. The most frequently asked about are:
- Rotavirus vaccine: Protects against one of the most common causes of severe diarrhoea and resulting fluid loss in infants. Given orally, with a limited age window — so timing matters.
- Meningococcal vaccines: Aim to protect against meningococcal strains that can cause meningitis and bloodstream infection. The type and number of doses vary with age.
- Influenza vaccine: Considered seasonally for children over 6 months, particularly those with chronic conditions.
Whether these are given is decided together, considering the child's age, risk status, nursery attendance and the family's informed preference.
Expected reactions after vaccination
Mild fever, irritability, reduced appetite, sleepiness, and redness or tenderness at the injection site may occur within the first 24–48 hours. These are expected signs that the immune system is responding and usually resolve on their own.
When to seek medical advice
- Any fever in an infant under 3 months
- Fever lasting more than 48 hours or progressively rising
- Spreading redness, swelling or discharge at the injection site
- Persistent, inconsolable irritability or excessive sleepiness
- Rash, swelling of the face or lips, or breathing difficulty (signs of an allergic reaction)
Read the childhood vaccines guide
Well-child visits
Well-child visits are consultations carried out while the child is healthy and sit at the heart of preventive care. They cover nutrition, sleep, safety advice, dental health, screen use and age-appropriate developmental milestones.
Visit frequency is planned more intensively in the first year and less frequently thereafter.
Percentiles and developmental assessment
Height, weight and head circumference measurements are plotted on percentile curves. What matters is not a single measurement but the trajectory of the curve over time. A marked deviation may require assessment for nutritional, chronic or hormonal causes.
Well-child visits, growth and development
Related content
- Childhood and optional vaccines
- Well-child visits and development
- Newborn and infant follow-up
- Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Is fever after vaccination normal?
Mild fever, irritability or redness at the injection site may occur within the first 24–48 hours after some vaccines; this is an expected immune response. In infants under 3 months, fever always requires medical assessment.
Are optional vaccines necessary?
Vaccines such as rotavirus and meningococcal vaccines are outside the national schedule but still protect against the relevant diseases. Whether they are given is discussed according to the child's age, risk status, environmental factors and the family's informed preference.
My child's schedule is delayed — do we start again?
No. Delayed vaccines are generally not restarted; they are completed from where they left off according to catch-up schedules based on age and previous doses.
Can a vaccine be given during a mild cold?
Mild upper respiratory infections without fever are, in most cases, not a sufficient reason to postpone vaccination. The decision is made at examination, considering the child's general condition, the presence of fever and the vaccine to be given.
This content is provided for general information purposes and does not replace individual medical assessment, diagnosis or treatment.
