Know About Immunization

Immunization is a very important & vital step for protecting children from various preventable but deadly diseases. In recent times, vaccines have become the most useful & effective tool to fight diseases.

When a child is born, it gets its antibodies from the mother. These antibodies protect the child from certain diseases but with time these antibodies disappear & the child becomes vulnerable to infection, hence the need for vaccines.

In immunization through vaccines, a child is exposed to certain antigens. Antigens are modified viruses or bacteria which in their original form cause diseases. These antigens are of low strength to not cause any disease but trigger production of antibodies. This production of antibodies is called “immune response”. These antibodies are like soldiers which protect against invasion of infection in the form of antigens. Hence, once antibodies are formed, the child is reasonably protected against the disease if exposed later in life.

These vaccines can be administered through multiple methods such as orally (like polio drops), through injection or through the nasal route depending upon the antigens. Certain vaccines cause mild fever or can cause pain at the site of injection for 2 to 3 days. Such reactions are quite normal; however, one should consult their doctor if these conditions persist or become severe.

Children are required to be given certain vaccines from birth onwards. Most of the important vaccines & their doses are completed by the time the child is 5 years old. However, certain booster doses such as tetanus are given at a later age. Similarly, a vaccine for cervix cancer is given to girls at 12 years of age. Nowadays, vaccines for pneumonia are given to adults.

Vaccines are very important & provide essential immunity. However, vaccines can be broadly divided into categories such as essential or mandatory & good to get. The classification is on the basis of the prevalence & the severity of the disease that vaccines protect against. One should also take geographical factors into consideration when evaluating the need for vaccination, as certain areas are more prone to certain types of diseases.

Essential vaccines include BCG, Polio, Hepatitis B, DPT, Rotavirus & Measles. Good to get vaccines include Pneumonia, Hepatitis A, Chicken pox, Flu & Typhoid. Vaccines for rabies, Japanese Encephalitis, Meningitis, Yellow Fever, etc can be considered in special situations.

Parents should be very careful & ensure that the vaccines have been stored properly. It is very important that vaccines are stored in the recommended temperature at all times. For vaccines to be effective, usage of cold chain to maintain the optimal temperature right from the manufacturer level up to the point of use by consumers is essential. Another key point to remember is that parents should wait for at least 20-30 minutes in the premises after getting the vaccine. This is to ensure that if there is any allergic reaction to the vaccine, it can be managed by the doctor in an effective & timely manner.

All vaccines have been tested under strict conditions & proven safe, so one should not worry about any long-term side effects or the efficacy of the vaccines. Vaccines are the most cost-effective way of combating diseases both personally & for the society. Every child should be offered as many vaccinations as possible to lead a healthier & disease-free life.