Vaccination is one of the most important tools available for protecting children against several potentially serious infectious diseases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Vaccines work by preparing the immune system to recognise and respond to specific infections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Why Is Timing Important?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Vaccination schedules are designed so that children receive protection at appropriate stages of development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Delaying a vaccine unnecessarily may leave a child without expected protection for a longer period.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Maintain a Vaccination Record<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Parents should keep their child’s vaccination record safely and bring it during paediatric visits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A record helps your doctor identify:<\/p>\n\n\n\n What If My Child Missed a Vaccine?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Don’t panic and don’t assume the vaccination series has been permanently missed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Can a Child Be Vaccinated With a Minor Illness?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Vaccination Is Also a Good Opportunity for a Health Review<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n A vaccination visit allows parents to discuss other concerns such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
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