Which Vaccinations Are Compulsory For Your Child And Why?
From the time your child is born, several vaccinations are administered to make sure that he or she is immune to illnesses that even can be fatal. It is important to begin the vaccination schedule as early as possible as the immune system of the baby is not fully developed. By introducing these vaccines, you will ensure that the baby is immune before he or she is exposed to any pathogens. Read this article to find out compulsory vaccinations for your child and why.
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Some diseases are more potent than others. It is therefore vital to get your child vaccinated for them. While there are many vaccines on the schedule, some of them are optional and only administered in special cases. Others are compulsory and you are required to ensure that your baby gets all the recommended doses to keep him safe.
Compulsory vaccinations for your child
Here is a list of the diseases that are most threatening to children and compulsory vaccinations for your child to prevent them from harming your baby:
Each vaccination has different doses. They are given at different intervals based on the age of your child. The reasons why it is important to complete the full course of each vaccination are:
- Some diseases need more than one dose for the body to become completely immune to them.
- Certain vaccines wear off over time and need to be boosted at the recommended intervals in order for them to be effective.
- Your paediatrician will be able to give you a vaccination schedule as recommended by the Government of India.
Also read: 9 Vaccination Myths and Realities
Why are some vaccinations compulsory?
The compulsory vaccines mentioned in your baby’s schedule are for diseases that are not only common in India but also common across the globe as well. If every baby is able to get the compulsory vaccines as part of the schedule, the occurrence of these common diseases will reduce over a span of five years. This also means that the global death rate among, infants, and children caused due to these diseases will reduce significantly.
The aim of the immunization schedule, therefore, is to make sure that these diseases are eradicated completely. In fact, there are several countries where diseases such as Diphtheria, Polio, Measles, and Smallpox have already been eradicated. Even in these countries, paediatricians recommend that children get the recommended vaccines to prevent any infection from spreading again.
According to health experts, vaccines are not 100% effective. This means that you need to follow up as recommended to prevent any of these diseases from returning as hazardous epidemics.
Almost every year, new versions of vaccines are introduced in the market. Some of them are more effective than their previous versions. They may also differ in factors such as the side effects caused by them, the dosage that is required, and the price of the vaccine. For instance, with polio vaccination, you now have the option of oral drops or an injectable vaccine.
It is best to talk to your paediatrician about the best option available for your child. You can then choose the one that suits you and your baby the best. The different versions of each vaccine are still as effective. Therefore, as long as you stick to the schedule, you can be assured that your child is protected.
Also read: A Comprehensive Age-Wise Vaccination Schedule For Your Child
What if my baby misses a compulsory vaccine dose?
Many parents panic at the thought of missing a compulsory vaccine. It is also common to miss the booster shots of a vaccine.
There could be many reasons due to which you were unable to get your baby a compulsory vaccine as per the schedule. For instance, if your baby is unwell or is running a fever, it is not recommended to give the baby any vaccination. Even if your baby has had a persistent cough or cold, the paediatrician will vaccinate her only after ensuring that she is breathing properly to prevent any allergies.
Therefore, if your child has missed a vaccine, you must know that she will not be immune for that time. However, you can still have the child vaccinated and pick up where you left. Missing a vaccine or a booster does not mean you will have to start all over again. The earlier you give your child the vaccine, the better it is for your baby.
If you are unable to manage the schedule, you may even ask your paediatrician for combination vaccines. With a single shot, you are able to protect your child from several diseases.
To make sure that your baby gets the necessary vaccines at the right time, you should maintain a vaccination record. Opt for one that includes the due date or the time period between one dose of the vaccine and the other.
You can even download the immunization schedule as per the Indian Academy of Paediatricians (IAP). Phone Apps can also be easily used to send out timely reminders when the next shot is due.
Also read: Painful vs Painless vaccination. Which one is more effective and why?
Following a vaccination schedule is not just a responsibility that we fulfil towards our child. It is in fact, a duty that we must fulfil towards ensuring better health for the children world over.
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