Vaccine

What is immunization and how does it work ?
Immunization is a way of protecting the human body against infectious diseases through vaccination. Immunisation prepares our bodies to fight against diseases in case we come into contact with them in the future.

Babies are born with some natural immunity which they get from their mother and through breast-feeding. This gradually wears off as the baby's own immune system starts to develop. Having your child immunized gives extra protection against illnesses which can kill.

The schedule recommends that that the vaccinations should start when the baby is 1 1/2 months old. But what should be done if the baby is brought late for vaccinations? Should vaccination still be started?

Yes, definitely. Even if the baby is brought late for vaccinations, she should still receive all the vaccinations. While it is the best to follow the ideal immunization schedule, on no account should the baby be denied vaccinations, even if she is brought late for them. But every attempt must be made to complete full immunization, before the age of 1 year.

My friend's baby, who was given the B.C.G. injection about two months ago, has developed a small blister at the site of injection. Is this a cause for worry?

Please reassure your friend that there is no cause for worry. This is a normal reaction after the B.C.G. injection. About 4 to 6 weeks after B.C.G. injection a small lump called a papule appears at a of the injection which may later break, giving out a whitish discharge. This will heal in about 10 to 12 weeks after the injection has been given and will leave a scar. Only if the discharge continues without the wound drying up, should the doctor be consulted.

What are the side effects of vaccinations?
Only very few infants and children develop side effects after a vaccination. We have already discussed the side effects of the B.C.G. After the D.P.T. injection, the infant may have pain at the site of the injection and may even develop fever. In that case the baby may be given 1/2 a table or 1/2 a tsp. of paracetamol.

After the measles injection, measles like rashes may appear. These are normal. Very rarely, children can have allergic reactions straight after immunization. Also if the baby develops high fever or loses consciousness, a doctor should be consulted immediately. People giving immunizations are trained to deal with allergic reactions and if the child is treated quickly, he or she will recover fully.

Sometimes it is not possible to take the baby for the second and third vaccinations after precisely a month. If so, should the whole course be repeated?

No, a slight delay does not matter. Continue the vaccinations as per the schedule and complete the course as soon as possible. The child will be fully protected only after she has received 1 B.C.G. injection. 3 D.P.T. injections, 3 O.P.V. doses and 1 measles injection. Hence it is very important to take the baby for the vaccination at the correct time and to make sure that all the vaccinations are given.

Are there any reasons why my child should not be immunized?
There are very few reasons why a child should not be immunized. Ordinarily common illnesses like a cold or a diarrhea are not impediments against getting your child vaccinated.

There are certain situations though, where you must let your healthcare provider know of your child’s conditions. Following are some of them:

• The child has a high fever;
• He has had a bad reaction to another immunization;
• He has had a severe reaction after eating eggs; or
• Has had convulsions (fits) in the past. (With the right advice, children who have had fits in the past can be immunized.)
• He has had, or is having, treatment for cancer;
• He has any illness which affects the immune system, for example, HIV or AIDS.
• He is taking any medicine which affects the immune system, for example, immunosuppressants (given after organ transplant or for malignant disease) or high-dose steroids.

How do we know that vaccines are safe?
Vaccines like all other medicines under go extensive and rigorous tests regarding their safety. Only after the have been found to be safe that they are introduced for general vaccination programs. Each vaccine is continually checked even after it has been introduced and action is taken if it is needed. If a vaccine is not safe it is not used.

IDEAL IMMUNIZATION SCHEDULE FOR THE INFANTS
(Recommended by the Ministry of Health, Searchvt. of INDIA)

At 11/2 months	B.C.G. (injection)*
	D.P.T. - 1 (injection) and
	O.P.V. - 1 (dose)
At 21/2 months	D.P.T. - 2 (injection) and
	O.P.V. - 2 (dose)
At 31/2 months	D.P.T. - 3 (injection) and
	O.P.V. - 3 (dose)
At 9 months	Measles (injection)
16 to 24 months	D.P.T. Booster (injection) and
	O.P.V. Booster (dose)

* If the infant has been delivered in a hospital/clinic, she should be given the B.C.G. injection at birth.
* Even if you are late for an injection/dose, you must still get it. Consult your health worker regarding this.