The Importance of Adhering to Child Vaccination Schedules
How vaccines protect your child and the community from dangerous infectious diseases, and why delaying can be risky.
4 min readVaccines are one of the greatest achievements of human medicine in the modern era. Thanks to them, many diseases that caused death or disability in children in the past, like polio and measles, have been almost eradicated.
However, hesitating or delaying vaccines past their scheduled time still poses a great risk. In the Pediatrics department, we always emphasize to parents that adhering to the national vaccination schedule is the primary shield to protect their children.
How do vaccines work?
A vaccine simply trains a child's immune system to recognize and fight the virus or bacteria causing the disease. The vaccine contains a weakened or dead version of the germ, which does not cause the illness but prompts the body to produce antibodies. When the child is exposed to the real germ later, their immune system is ready to destroy it immediately.
Herd Immunity
When you vaccinate your child, you are not only protecting them, but the entire community, especially infants who are too young to be vaccinated, and immunocompromised people (like cancer patients) who cannot receive certain vaccines.
Why stick to the scheduled times?
- The schedule is scientifically designed to offer protection at the age when the child is most vulnerable
- Some vaccines require booster doses to build long-term immunity
- Delaying leaves the child exposed to dangerous infections during a critical period
- Protecting the child from severe complications like deafness and brain damage
- Ensuring the child is accepted into schools that require a complete vaccination record
Tips to reduce injection pain for your child
- Hold your child tightly and stay calm to convey a sense of safety
- Distract the child with a favorite toy or short video during the poke
- Use cold compresses on the injection site if mild redness or swelling appears
- Consult your doctor about using an antipyretic painkiller (like paracetamol) if a slight fever occurs after the vaccine
FAQ
Can multiple vaccines be given in one day?
Yes, it is a completely safe and globally approved procedure. A child's immune system can easily handle it, and it reduces the number of clinic visits and pokes.
Do vaccines cause autism?
Extensive and independent scientific studies worldwide have proven absolutely no link between vaccines (or their preservatives) and autism.
Your child comes first
Book at the pediatrics clinic, with doctors who handle little patients with experience and patience.
