Pediatrician Questions Pediatrician

What age is a child's immune system fully developed?

My baby is 3 years old. I want to know what age is a child's immune system fully developed?

1 Answer

Infants begin developing various types of antibodies in their first year of life. As they mature and are exposed to various antigens (the microscopic protein particles that stimulate antibody formation) their immunity broadens to more and more things. Hence, "germ theory" the
wider exposure, such as to the "great outdoors," various domestic/farm animals, and a wide variety of foods, they develop antibodies to those things, which strengthens their immunity. Immunizations work this way, too, by exposing the child to the microscopic antigen of the causative organism stimulating immunity without causing disease. Individuals who are sheltered from this broad environment are more susceptible to "allergies" and illness.