Getting children vaccinated on schedule will build their overall immunity and protect them against lots of diseases

Marking World Immunisation Week, Dr Sonia Mittal, Principal Consultant – Paediatric, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Shalimar Bagh urges parents not to put their children’s vaccinations on hold, because they are at higher risk of being infected with so many other dangerous diseases

For more than a year now, the world has been in the grip of the COVID-19 pandemic. Life has come to a standstill. All of us are scared of getting infected. Most of us are trying to take all the necessary precautions such as wearing masks, handwashing, sanitising surfaces, social distancing and not moving out unnecessarily.

However, when it comes to our children’s immunisation, going to the doctor’s clinic or the hospital is necessary. Children are vulnerable to innumerable diseases –viral or bacterial, e.g. measles, chickenpox, hepatitis, diphtheria, pneumonia, meningitis etc. Getting children vaccinated on time as per the National Immunisation Schedule can protect them from so many communicable diseases.

It has been observed that in the past year, many parents have put their children’s vaccinations on hold, thinking that it can be done, once the pandemic is over. They have to understand that while children are at a low risk of contracting severe COVID-19, they are at higher risk of being infected with so many other dangerous diseases. In fact, getting them vaccinated on schedule will build their overall immunity and protect them against lots of diseases.

I appeal to parents all across, to take their children’s immunisation seriously. Please do not be scared of going to the doctor’s clinic or the hospital for vaccination and regular checkup. This will make your child immune system strong and protect him/her from lots of diseases. If there are long queues and waiting time, you can always move outside, to an open space, or to your vehicle, till it is your child’s turn. If you are wearing masks properly and take all precautions, then chances of getting infected are negligible. In case vaccination has been delayed, talk to your doctor and try to catch up, as advised.

Last year, the whole world was eagerly waiting for rollout of vaccine to get respite from this dreadful disease. Now when available, people are fearing to get vaccinated because of rumours. In case of any doubts, discuss with the doctor. Please remember, Corona vaccine does not prevent from getting infected, but prevents serious complications due to corona.

Vaccination is the way forward to protect us from Corona and other diseases, so don’t hesitate. Get vaccinated as per schedule and save self and mankind.