Vaccinating children on time is an important way to protect them against serious and potentially deadly diseases. In some cases, natural immunity is longer-lasting than the immunity gained from vaccination. When children aren’t vaccinated or vaccination is delayed, they are left unprotected against serious diseases which can be easily prevented through Vaccination.
Young parents must be worried about their child’s vaccination during these challenging times COVID-19. Here are a few points that might help the parents of young children.
How to check if I had missed a vaccine for my child?
Check your child’s Vaccination card, which has age specific Vaccines recommended for your child. Consult your Paediatrician for more information on missed or due vaccination
Should my child still get routine vaccines during the COVID-19 pandemic?
While COVID-19 is disrupting our daily lives, the short answer is yes, do try to get your child vaccinated where services are available. It is important that children and babies keep their vaccinations up to date because they protect them from serious diseases. It means that when your children can return to interacting with other children, they’ll have protection from some other diseases too. I am concerned taking my child out for vaccination, as it can increase the risk of COVID-19?
· Going out to get essential products (Milk, Medicines, etc.) & services (Banking, healthcare, etc.) also carries the risk of getting infected with COVID-19. But we try minimizing the risk by taking required precautions
· Similarly, Vaccination is an essential medical service & taking necessary precautions can minimize the risk of infection to you and your child
· On the contrary, when children aren’t vaccinated or vaccination is delayed, they are left unprotected against potentially serious diseases which can be prevented through Vaccination
· Following the recommended Vaccination schedule as advised by your Paediatrician is a wise decision
What are the precautions or care to be taken during vaccination in these times?
· Visit your Paediatrician with a prior Vaccination appointment only
· Use an alcohol-based sanitiser at frequent intervals
· All caretakers and children, except infants should wear a mask
· Maintain social distancing at all times & avoid surface contacts as much as possible
· Don’t carry any toys/personal objects and avoid touching door handles
· Digital payments should be preferred
· Senior citizens (more than 60 years of age) should not accompany the vaccines
· Enter, exit & conduct yourself in the Vaccination clinic as per staff’s advise
Where can I find the latest guidance on vaccinations? Contact your Paediatrician, consult your local and national health authority websites and follow guidance provided by WHO and UNICEF.
Ms. Gowri Kurapati,
Pre-Primary Head,
NCFE-CVR.