Vaccination is one of the most important tools available for protecting children against several potentially serious infectious diseases.
Vaccines work by preparing the immune system to recognise and respond to specific infections.
WHO identifies vaccination as an important way to protect people from many preventable diseases, while India’s National Immunization Schedule provides age-based immunisation recommendations for children. (World Health Organization)
Why Is Timing Important?
Vaccination schedules are designed so that children receive protection at appropriate stages of development.
Delaying a vaccine unnecessarily may leave a child without expected protection for a longer period.
Maintain a Vaccination Record
Parents should keep their child’s vaccination record safely and bring it during paediatric visits.
A record helps your doctor identify:
- Vaccines already received
- Upcoming vaccinations
- Booster doses
- Missed doses that may require catch-up advice
What If My Child Missed a Vaccine?
Don’t panic and don’t assume the vaccination series has been permanently missed.
Consult your paediatrician with the child’s vaccination record. Depending on the child’s age, vaccines already received and medical history, the doctor can recommend an appropriate catch-up plan.
Can a Child Be Vaccinated With a Minor Illness?
This depends on the illness and the vaccine involved. Instead of cancelling a vaccination yourself, inform your paediatrician about your child’s symptoms and let the doctor advise whether vaccination should proceed.
Vaccination Is Also a Good Opportunity for a Health Review
A vaccination visit allows parents to discuss other concerns such as:
- Growth
- Feeding
- Development
- Sleep
- Behaviour
- School health
- Previous reactions or allergies
India’s U-WIN platform also provides information relating to vaccination services under the National Immunization Schedule. (UWin)
Keep Your Child’s Vaccination Record Updated
Timely vaccination is an important part of preventive paediatric care.
At Child Care Hospital, parents can consult our paediatric team regarding routine childhood vaccination, missed doses and age-appropriate immunisation.
Medical Note: Vaccination requirements may vary depending on age, medical history, previous vaccination and individual risk. Always follow the schedule advised by your paediatrician.