Why Are Vaccinations Important for Children?

 

Why Are Vaccinations Important for Children?

As a new parent you always make sure that your baby gets the best and remains safe. You buy the safest car seat, stroller etc. Similarly you need to make sure that your child is safe against diseases. As the immune system of a newborn is not fully developed you need to keep them safe from viruses and other diseases and the best way to do it by getting them vaccinated.

A vaccine is a dead or weakened version of the bacteria/virus that causes the disease. When children take the vaccine, it triggers their immune system, which is the mechanism of fighting bacteria/virus. The immune system produces antibodies that can protect the child from contracting the disease if they are exposed later to the actual disease causing bacteria/virus.

Vaccines not only protect your child from diseases like polio, diphtheria etc. but also stop the spread of these diseases in the community and help in protecting other children. Most of the vaccines need to be given more than once at different stages and in combinations. As a parent you need to keep a track of the jabs received by your child.

Benefits of Vaccination
Protect your child from disabilities

Some vaccine-preventable diseases can result in prolonged disabilities and can take a financial toll because of lost time at work, medical bills or long-term disability care. In contrast, getting vaccinated against these diseases is a good investment and usually covered by insurance.

Protect future generations

Vaccines have reduced and, in some cases, eliminated many diseases that killed or severely disabled people just a few generations ago. Some diseases that once injured or killed thousands of children, have been eliminated completely and others are close to extinction– primarily due to safe and effective vaccines. For example, smallpox vaccination eradicated that disease worldwide. Your children don’t have to get smallpox shots any more because the disease no longer exists.