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Importance of routine childhood vaccinations
Nov 08, 2022
Why is routine childhood vaccination at an all-time low?
There are many reasons cited for this new low in vaccination numbers in children. The world is fighting the Covid-19 and we have almost forgotten that there are many more viruses and bacteria that can cause diseases in children, many of which are more serious and can even be fatal. With the pandemic restrictions in place, many parents also think that it is safer to be indoors than to visit a hospital. Many parents are also not aware of the importance of following a vaccination schedule and may want to get their children vaccinated only after the pandemic is under control.
Why is immunization necessary?
The routine and essential vaccinations are devised to protect your children and those around them from diseases like pneumonia, tetanus, measles, rubella, polio, whooping cough, meningitis and many serious diseases. These illnesses may come with more risks for your children than Covid-19. They can even cause life-long issues & be fatal. Many diseases like measles and polio may see an outbreak because without widespread vaccinations, herd immunity will be lost too. These are vaccine-preventable diseases and it is important that we don’t lose sight of the health risks that they come with.
Similar to routine vaccinations, the seasonal flu shot is also important. Influenza or seasonal flu (H1N1) is also a respiratory disease that causes runny nose, cough, fever and may need hospitalization. Prevention of flu is very important, especially in the time of the pandemic. Catching flu when your child’s immune system is already burdened with a Covid-19 infection can be dangerous. The flu shots can prevent severe Covid-19 infection and lower the risk of respiratory problems in your children. The first flu shot is given to a baby when he/she is six months old. Thereafter, the child is to be given the flu shot every year till he is five years of age.
Is it safe to visit hospitals now for vaccination?
As parents, it is normal to worry about a hospital visit in a pandemic. But rest assured that hospitals and the staff members take every precautionary step to prevent Covid-19 infection so you can take your child to receive their routine childhood vaccination. Any child with fever will be seen separately in a fever clinic with the doctor & nurse wearing PPE, and will not be in the same area as children who have come for vaccines or routine check up. If you have any concerns, you may talk to your child’s pediatrician on the phone or book a video consultation with them.
Dr. Ujjwala Desai
Pediatrician
Rainbow Children's Hospital, Banjara Hills
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