Why Childhood Immunizations are Important?

Vaccines have been termed as one of the safest and most effective ways of protecting our kids from several perilous childhood diseases. The immunization record is as important as the birth certificate of your child. Vaccinations given to children all around the world have made several common diseases rare today.

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.

Tips for immunizations:

The following information will help you to navigate smoothly with your responsibility of getting your child vaccinated against various diseases:

Always carry the immunization record of your child when you visit the pediatrician and make sure that during every immunization your child’s doctor signs and mentions the date in the record.

Check if your pediatrician’s office provides with immunization reminder system. This will help you in case you forget the next immunization date or if your child has missed an immunization.

Your child may show common side-effects after immunization such as fever, swelling at the site of injection or soreness. Your pediatrician will tell you about these side-effects before administering the vaccine but if you feel that your child is showing any symptom other than these common side-effects don’t hesitate to discuss it with the pediatrician.