1 Min Read Why Is Children’s Immunity Different?
July 27, 2026Why Is Children’s Immunity Different?
July 27, 2026Why do children get sick so easily? It's the price of an immune system that's still growing
By the Editors Care Framework & Diagram
• Antibodies from mum cross the placenta before birth and protect the newborn.
• This borrowed protection fades steadily over the first few months.
• Mum’s antibodies are nearly gone.
• Baby’s own antibodies aren’t built up yet.
• Core vaccines are scheduled specifically to fill this exact gap.
• Vaccines and everyday germ exposure build baby’s own antibodies.
• Other defences (gut lining, certain immune cells) are still maturing.
• Frequent colds and tummy bugs here are common — and normal.
• The immune system is diversifying, building a library of past invaders.
• Getting sick often is the immune system running “live drills.”
• Normal range: 6–8 respiratory infections a year.
• Memory of past infections is fairly complete.
• Sickness frequency drops noticeably from here on.
- Hospitalisation for pneumonia, meningitis, or a deep abscess.
- Infections from unusual germs most people never catch.
- No response to antibiotics, poor growth, or a family history of infant deaths.
