Vaccination in children: Things to know

Vaccines are necessary to provide immunity against many diseases. Vaccines are the best gift that modern medicine has given to mankind.

Below is the IAP immunization schedule

FAQs:  
Q1. How do vaccines work?  
Vaccines make our body competent enough to produce immunity (antibodies) against germs without causing the disease in them.

Q2. Why do I need to vaccinate my child?  
Investing money in vaccination is wiser because once the child suffers from infection, parents not only have to spend huge amount on the treatment, but also bear loss of school days and absence from work by parents.

Q3. When to take my child for vaccination?  
There is a vaccination schedule followed in every country depending upon the need and timing of various vaccines for that population. The schedule tells you age wise vaccines, you need to give to your child. Lot of efforts are put in preparing this immunisation schedule.

Q4. What are the things I need to prepare before and after a vaccination visit?  
Please take your past vaccine records along with you. Inform the doctor whether the child had problems with the vaccines in the past, if the child has any allergies or has any illness.  
Please contact your doctor:   
•    If your child has high fever.  
•    If after vaccination your child turns unresponsive (this is very rare).  
•    If your child continuously cries for more than 3 hours.  
•    If your child has convulsion.

Q5. If your child has vaccine preventable disease in the past, should the child still by vaccinated?  
There are many diseases such has typhoid, diphtheria, pertussis, Hib pneumonia or flu which often result in producing short term protection, even after the full blown illness hence, the child would require all vaccines as per schedule after the illness subsides.

Q6. Are we required to be worried about the various side effects been illness with various vaccines?  
Most currently available vaccines pass though the stringent process to manufacturing and quality control. They are apparently used in human only after years of research work which includes animal studies and various stages of human trials. These vaccines are being used in human only after being approved by licensing and recommended bodies, once they have been found useful and safe.

The Department of Pediatrics at P. D. Hinduja Hospital, have skilled doctors who specialize in providing comprehensive range of medical treatments to children and adolescents. For queries and guidance, you can book an appointment with Dr. Soumya Renji, Consultant Pediatrics on 022 6766 8181 / 022 4510 8181 at P. D. Hinduja Hospital, Mahim, Mumbai.