Vaccines are injections or oral drops, given by doctors, in order to prevent diseases. You must understand that vaccines only prevent the occurrence of a disease; they have no role in treating a disease. Vaccines are disease-specific; vaccines meant for a disease prevent only that disease.
Vaccines are the wonders of the 20th century. Their impact on the health of society can never be overemphasized. Global eradication of dreaded diseases, like smallpox, is the most outstanding example of their success story. With their use, control, and eradication of diseases like polio, diphtheria, and tetanus is now within our reach. With ongoing research in this field, we hope to have vaccines for diseases like AIDS, malaria, and diarrhea [commonly caused by a virus called rotavirus] soon.
Vaccination is necessary for every child. Because prevention is always better than cure. It protects your child from many dreaded diseases, some of which have no cures like polio and hepatitis B. Apart from individual protection, they prevent the spread of the disease in the society.
Vaccines are the wonders of the 20th century. Their impact on the health of society can never be overemphasized. Global eradication of dreaded diseases, like smallpox, is the most outstanding example of their success story. With their use, control, and eradication of diseases like polio, diphtheria, and tetanus is now within our reach. With ongoing research in this field, we can hope to have vaccines for diseases like AIDS, malaria, and diarrhea [commonly caused by a virus called rotavirus] soon.
Vaccination is absolutely necessary for every child. Because prevention is always better than cure. It protects your child from many dreaded diseases, some of which have no cures like polio and hepatitis B. Apart from individual protection, they prevent the spread of the disease in society.
Yes. Most of the child vaccines are safe. In some children, D.P.T. can cause fever, pain, and swelling at the site of injection which is easily controlled by paracetamol syrup prescribed by your doctor. But, even this can be avoided by using a newer variety of D.P.T. vaccines.
Rarely, a vaccine can cause an allergic reaction, so you should be careful about the following things:
The following are the commonly used vaccines and their schedule:-
Protects from poliomyelitis, disease causing paralysis.
The only vaccine is given in the form of oral drops.
Schedule: The first dose is given at birth. Starting from 6 weeks onwards 4 doses are given at monthly intervals. 2 booster doses are given at 1 ½ and 4 ½ years
Protects from tuberculosis; commonly known as TB.
A single dose is given at birth at the left shoulder.
Schedule: A small swelling appears at the site of injection 4-6 weeks later, which gradually disappears.
It is a combination vaccine that protects from three diseases namely diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (Kali khansi).
Schedule: Starting from 6 weeks 3 primary doses are given at 4-6 weeks intervals. Two booster doses are given at 1 ½ and 4-½ yr.
Newer and safer variety of DPT vaccine. This vaccine has a very low incidence of fever, swelling, excessive crying, or convulsion, unlike the conventional DPT vaccine. Preferred over conventional DPT (whole-cell vaccine).
Protects from measles; also called khasara or chhoti mata. Mild fever or small rashes may develop 5-6 days later which usually disappear spontaneously.
Schedule: A single dose is given around nine months of age.
It is a combination vaccine protecting from three diseases namely measles, mumps (knapped), and rubella (viral disease causing rashes).
Schedule: A single dose is given at 15 months of age. A second dose is advised at 5-½ years of age.
The vaccine prevents viral hepatitis caused by hepatitis B virus.
Hepatitis b is one of the fastest spreading & deadly diseases. Spreads by transmission from infected mother to her baby, transfusion of contaminated blood or blood product, or use of unsterilized needles and syringes, etc.
Starting features are usually fever, jaundice, loss of appetite, and weakness. The virus remains in the body for a long time and may lead to liver cancer or cirrhosis. No effective treatment is available. The only way to prevent this is timely vaccination. Must vaccines even for adults.
Schedule: The first dose is given at birth followed by second and third doses at the age of 1 month and 6 months respectively. A booster is recommended at 5 years of age.
Prevents diseases caused by bacteria called hemofilus influenza type-b. Hib is an important cause of meningitis (brain fever) in small children. It may cause pneumonia, and infection of the ear, bones, or joints.
Schedule: Three doses are given at 2, 4, and 6 months followed by a booster at 18 months of age. This vaccine is not needed for children above 5 years of age.
Typhoid fever is fairly common in our country, especially during summer and rainy seasons. It spreads through infected water, unclean vegetables, etc. Vaccines do not provide absolute protection so food and water hygiene should always be maintained.
Schedule: Presently available vaccine containing Vi antigen is given at 2 years of age. Repeat doses are given at 3-year intervals.
Protects from chicken pox commonly known as chhoti mata. Very effective vaccine. Not needed in those who have already suffered from chicken pox.
Chickenpox is a viral disease characterized by fever, water-filled rashes all over the body, and intense itching all over the body. Usually, the disease is mild and self-limiting but may leave permanent scars on the body. At times serious complications like involvement of the brain and other organs by virus may occur, which are difficult to manage and may leave permanent damage.
Schedule: A single shot is given after one year of age.
Protects from viral hepatitis caused by hepatitis A virus. Hepatitis-A virus spreads through contaminated water, food, raw uncooked vegetables or unhygienic juices, ice creams, sugarcane juice, gol gappa, etc from vendors. Fairly common disease during summers and rainy season. Presenting features are fever, jaundice, loss of appetite and weakness. No effective drug is available against the virus. Mostly self-limiting disease but complications may occur leading to liver failure.
Schedule: The first dose is given at 1 year of age followed by the second dose 6 months later.
All vaccines provide a fairly good degree of protection still other routine preventive measures should be taken.
Follow vaccination appointments strictly. If your child misses an appointment, get it done at the earliest. Delayed or missed doses may keep your child exposed to the disease and it may require rescheduling of further course.
Vaccination can be given in the presence of mild illnesses like colds and coughs. In children, vaccination is usually part of a general health checkup which involves the child’s growth monitoring and timely supplementation of vitamins and iron. So it is advisable to get these done from a qualified pediatrician in your area.
Some of the vaccines are relatively costly, but considering the cost of medical therapy for the disease and the loss of school & working days by parents it is advisable to go for these vaccines.