vaccine in children Image Credit source: Getty Images
Children are at risk of many serious diseases right after birth. To protect them from these diseases, it is necessary to get them vaccinated. For this, the Universal Immunization Program (UIP) of the Government of India runs. In this, many important vaccines are given free of cost from newborn to adolescence, but what to do if the vaccine is not available on time? Experts have told about this.
First let us know how many types of vaccines are necessary?
Dr. Himanshu Bhadani in the Department of Pediatrics at Delhi AIIMS. It is said that these vaccines are considered necessary from birth till 16 years, although more vaccines are given in private hospitals, but these vaccines are the most important.
Protection against Hepatitis B liver infection
BCG TB prevention
DPT (Diphtheria, Pertussis,
tetanus)
Protection against Hib pneumonia and meningitis
OPV/IPV (Polio) Polio prevention
MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
PCV (Pneumococcal Vaccine)
Preventing Rotavirus Diarrhea
Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine
What to do if you miss the vaccine?
Dr. Himanshu says that if due to some reason the vaccine dose is missed then there is no need to panic. There is never a need to start the entire course again. You can get the vaccine administered within a few days or on the next date as per your doctor’s advice. But keep in mind that no vaccine should ever be missed, even if it is late, get it done later. Do not be careless in this matter
For example, if the dose of MMR is missed at 9 months, it can be administered in the 12th month, however, some vaccines like Rotavirus have a fixed age limit, so do not delay it, get it administered to the child within a few days.
Why is timely vaccination important?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), vaccination saves the lives of millions of children every year. By getting vaccinated on time, the risk of deadly diseases like measles, diphtheria etc. is significantly reduced.
It is important for parents to get their child’s vaccination card made right after birth. Everything is written in the card as to when the vaccine is to be administered. The child should be vaccinated accordingly.