Childhood vaccinations are crucial to protect children from serious and potentially life-threatening illnesses. In fact, vaccines have been proven to be both safe and effective. However, parents may still have questions and concerns about the vaccination process. Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about child vaccination:
1. What are vaccines?
Vaccines are a type of medicine that helps the body fight off infectious diseases. They work by introducing a small amount of a weakened or dead virus or bacteria into the body, which in turn triggers the immune system to produce antibodies to fight the disease. This means that if the person is exposed to the disease in the future, their body will already have the tools it needs to fight it off.
2. Why are vaccines important for children?
Vaccines are important for children because they help protect them from serious illnesses that can cause lasting damage or even death. Many of the diseases that vaccines protect against are highly contagious and can spread quickly, which can cause outbreaks and epidemics. Vaccines also protect the community by reducing the spread of infectious diseases.
3. What are the various vaccination schedules followed in our country?
There are two vaccination schedules in India. One is the National Immunisation schedule, which is decided by NITAG (National technical advisory Group of Experts on Immunisation) and is given to every child free of cost. The second one is recommended by the Indian Academy of Paediatrics and includes additional vaccines that are needed and available in the country.
4. If parents miss one scheduled dose of vaccine, what should they do?
It is important for parents to try to get their child vaccinated as per the scheduled time prescribed by their doctor. However, if a dose is missed, the child should be vaccinated as soon as possible. It is not necessary to restart the entire schedule again.
5. If a child has suffered from a vaccine-preventable disease, should they still receive the vaccine for that disease?
Yes. Most vaccine-preventable diseases do not confer long-term immunity after an episode of a full-blown infection.
6. Why are children given multiple doses of similar vaccine?
Live vaccines, in which a weakened organism is injected, produce a strong immune response with one dose. However, in a few of these vaccines, a second dose is needed as some children may not take up the first dose (poor uptake). Killed vaccines mount immunity in phases, and every subsequent dose provides a more robust immune response compared to the previous dose. Hence, multiple doses are required.
7. What are the side effects of vaccination?
All vaccines induce immunity by causing the receiver’s immune system to react to the vaccine. Thus, local reactions, fever, and systemic symptoms can result after getting vaccinated. Serious side effects are rare, but they can occur. However, the benefits of vaccination outweigh the risks of side effects.
8. Do vaccines cause autism?
No, vaccines do not cause autism. This idea originated from a now-debunked study that was published in 1998. Multiple studies have been conducted since then that have found no link between vaccines and autism. The CDC, the World Health Organization (WHO), and many other reputable organizations have stated that there is no evidence to support a link between vaccines and autism.
9. Can a sick child be vaccinated?
A sick child suffering from mild illness can safely be vaccinated. Symptoms of mild illness, such as cough, cold, mild fever or mild diarrhea, are not contraindications. However, a child with a high-grade fever and severe diarrhea should not be vaccinated during the acute phase.
10. Can vaccines overload a child’s immune system?
No, vaccines do not overload a child’s immune system. The immune system is capable of responding to thousands of antigens at once. Vaccines contain a very small amount of antigens compared to what children are exposed to on a daily basis. In fact, a child is exposed to more antigens in one day of normal activity than they are from all the vaccines they receive in their 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 vaccine safety, religious or philosophical beliefs, or a lack of trust in the medical establishment. However, choosing not to vaccinate can have serious consequences, not only for the unvaccinated child but for the community as a whole. When fewer people are vaccinated, outbreaks of diseases like measles and pertussis (whooping cough) can occur, which can lead to serious illness and even death. By getting your children vaccinated, you are not only protecting them, but also helping to keep your community healthy.
