The Importance of Adhering to Infant Immunization

 For more than five decades, immunization/vaccinations has helped save billions of people's lives. It is a safe and efficient method for protecting the child's health from a number of illnesses and infections. In fact, immunization lays a foundation for a healthy future as well as protection from diseases. For every parent, their child’s health is the utmost priority. They will take all reasonable precautions to keep their kids safe and ensure their well-being. The best method to achieve this is by making sure the child is vaccinated on time. By the time they reach the age of two, infants have had a lot of immunizations. Some parents might find this to be a lot, but it is quite necessary.

In this blog, Dr. Promilla Butani, a Top Pediatric Doctor in Delhi, explains about vaccinations and how they are important for a child’s health and immunity.

What is Immunization?

Immunization refers to the process of protecting individuals against illness caused by infections with microorganisms. The act of administering a vaccine to a person is called vaccination. The term "vaccine" refers to a material used for immunization. Typically, a vaccine contains an agent that resembles a disease-causing organism. When the biological agent is introduced into the body, the immune system recognizes and destroys it completely. However, the immune system remembers the agent, and when the microbe attacks, it protects one from the disease. Vaccines are made up of components (specifically extracted after utmost research and development) of the killed or weak micro-organisms.

Here are the Benefits of Baby Immunizations

1. Strengthens Baby’s Immune System

This is one of the most important reasons for immunizing the child. When infants are born, they are exposed to thousands of germs through routine behaviors like breathing, eating, or touching various surfaces. Although newborns have immune systems that are capable of fighting off these germs, there are still some infections or diseases they can not handle. This is where immunizations come into play to strengthen the child's immune system. Vaccines induce a small number of antigens into a child's immune system. The immune system uses the antibodies that are produced as a result of the antigens to identify and combat various diseases.

2. Vaccines are Safe and Effective

As a parent, feeling stressed and anxious about the child’s immunization is natural. One should not pay heed to unnecessary rumors about the dangers of vaccines as there is no scientific evidence behind them. Medical professionals carefully examine all vaccinations administered, and they undergo testing first. Children who receive immunizations, however, may face moderate side effects. This reaction is normal and demonstrates that the child's body produces antibodies. Consult Dr. Promilla Butani, Best Pediatric Doctor in Delhi, to know which vaccines to take, how many doses a child should take, and time schedule for baby vaccination.

3. Some Diseases are Prevalent

The world is advancing daily, and medical improvements have significantly reduced the spread of many diseases. Vaccination plays a major role in this advancement. For instance, smallpox vaccination has helped contribute to the disease's eradication globally. There are still deadly diseases prevalent today that have long-term effects on children. Vaccinations are crucial to reduce their spread and to try to eradicate them. This is just another reason why immunizations are important in childhood.

4. Immunizations Saves Money and Family Time

Immunizations can boost the child’s immune system and help them fight against diseases. This helps the parents save on their medical bills for treating diseases that vaccines could prevent. Some diseases, such as cough and influenza, have long, complex, and expensive treatment cycles. Immunizations save an infant from going through those illnesses. By immunizing the child, one can save the treatment costs and use the money somewhere else for the betterment of their child. 

5. Protects Others As Well

Getting a child vaccinated not only protects the family but protects the spread of the diseases. Young babies who do not get vaccinated suffer from diseases such as measles which can later spread to their siblings or to elders in the family. The reoccurrence of the diseases can lead to severe complications. 

Here is a List of Some Important Vaccines that Every Baby Needs:

BCG Vaccine: BCG vaccine, which has been around for more than 80 years, is one of the best at preventing tuberculosis. Immunization against tuberculosis is essential for a country like India because the disease is widespread and spreads easily.

Hepatitis B Vaccine: The extremely contagious hepatitis B virus is the primary cause of hepatitis B, a liver infection. It frequently progresses to chronic disease, particularly when a baby's liver is affected. The hepatitis B vaccine should be given as soon as possible after birth, and definitely within 24 hours.

Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV): In contrast to the oral vaccine, doctors administer IPV by injection. The IPV and oral vaccine work together to provide twofold protection against the poliovirus.

Rotavirus Vaccine: To prevent diarrhoea caused by rotavirus, this vaccine is administered orally in 2 or 3 doses before the age of 6 months.

Flu Vaccine: Flu vaccine is given between the age of 7-9 months. Two doses are given in the first year in a gap of 4-6 weeks apart.

Measles: Measles, Mumps and Rubella (German Measles) MMR is given to a baby when they complete 9 months.

Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine: This vaccine helps to prevent typhoid fever.

Vaccines in the 2nd Year

MMR (Mumps, Measles, Rubella): Given during 15 months

Chicken Pox or Variculla Vaccine: Given during 15 months

Pneumococcal Vaccine: Given during 15 -18 months

IPV, DTaP/DTwP/Hib 1st booster: Given during 15 -18 months

Hepatitis A Vaccine: This vaccine is given in 2 doses at six months interval, starting from age 18-19 months.

Flu vaccine: This vaccine is given in a single dose every year.

Vaccines in the 3rd and 4th Year

Flu vaccine: This vaccine is given every year.

Typhoid conjugate vaccine: It is repeated at 2 years of age. If typhoid vaccine has not been given earlier, it can be administered at any age.

Meningococcal Vaccine: This vaccine prevents meningitis which is caused by meningococci. After the age of two, it is administered in a single dose until adolescence and early adulthood (in India).

Conclusion

Childhood vaccines are crucial in boosting a child's immunity. It is not only for the child’s protection but to protect their future as well. Therefore, immunization is the first step in building a child’s health and no parent would ever want to compromise on their child’s well-being and health. For more information about Baby Vaccination in Delhi, schedule a consultation with Dr. Promilla Butani. Consult today!