Vaccination is an important tool to protect children. from serious and sometimes fatal diseases Childhood vaccination has been proven to be safe and effective. However, there are many misconceptions about vaccines that can cause parents questions and concerns.
General questions about vaccinations for children
Here are some of the most common questions parents have about vaccinating their children:
1. What is a vaccine?
A vaccine is a type of medicine that helps the body fight off infectious diseases. They work by introducing small amounts of weakened or dead viruses or bacteria into the body. which stimulates the immune system to produce antibodies to fight disease This means that if the person is exposed to the disease in the future Their bodies will already have the tools they need to fight.
Read more: New mother! Learn the heart vaccination list for your child’s better health.
2. Why is vaccine important for children?
Vaccines are important for children because they protect them from serious diseases that can cause long-term damage or even death. Many of the diseases the vaccine protects against are highly contagious and can spread rapidly. This can cause an epidemic and spread. Vaccines not only protect vaccinated individuals. It also protects communities by reducing the spread of infectious diseases.
3. What are the different vaccination schedules in our country?
We have two vaccination schedules. One is the National Immunization Schedule, in which the vaccine is prescribed by NITAG (National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization) and given free of charge to all children. The second one is recommended by the Indian Academy of Pediatrics which includes additional vaccines that are required and available locally.
4. If parents miss 1 dose of the scheduled vaccine, what should parents do?
Always try to get your vaccination at the scheduled time your doctor prescribes. You should get your child vaccinated as soon as possible. No need to start the whole schedule all over again.
5. If your child has a vaccine-preventable disease should still be vaccinated against that disease or not ?
Yes. Most vaccine-preventable diseases do not produce long-term immunity after full-blown infection.
6. Why does a child receive multiple doses of a similar vaccine?
Live vaccines injected by a susceptible organism generate a strong immune response with one dose of the vaccine, but in a few of these vaccines a second dose is required. This is because many children may not get the first dose. The inactivated vaccine produces progressive immunity, and every subsequent dose produces a stronger immune response compared to the previous dose. Therefore, it is necessary to inject multiple doses.
7. What are the side effects of vaccination?
All vaccines are immunogenic by causing the recipient’s immune system to respond to the vaccine. Therefore, local reactions, fever, and systemic symptoms may follow after vaccination. Serious side effects are rare. However, the benefits of vaccination outweigh the risks of side effects.
8. Do vaccines cause symptoms of autism?
No, vaccines do not cause autism. The idea was born out of a disproving study published in 1998. Since then, Several studies have found no link between vaccines and autism. The CDC, World Health Organization (WHO) and other reputable organizations state that there is no evidence to support a link between vaccines and autism.
9. Can sick children be vaccinated?
Children with mild illnesses can be vaccinated safely. Mild illness (e.g., cough, cold, slight fever, However, children with high fever and severe diarrhea should not be vaccinated in the acute phase.
10. Can vaccines overload a child’s immune system?
No, vaccines will not overload your child’s immune system. The immune system can respond to thousands of antigens at once. Vaccines contain very small amounts of antigens compared to what children get on a daily basis. in fact Children received more antigens in one day of normal activity than those received from all vaccines received in the first two years of life.
11. Why do some people choose not to vaccinate their children?
There are many reasons why some people choose not to vaccinate their children. These can include concerns about the safety of vaccines. religious or philosophical beliefs or a lack of trust in healthcare settings. However, choosing not to vaccinate can have serious consequences. It’s not just about unvaccinated children. but also the community as a whole. when fewer people are vaccinated Outbreaks of diseases such as measles and whooping cough (whooping cough) can occur, leading to serious illness and even death.
