Baby vaccination: Answers to your questions
Following the MOH-recommended National Childhood Immunisation Programme (NCIP) helps to protect our children from various life-threatening diseases. Most parents are aware of the pros and cons of getting their little ones vaccinated, but many may still have uncertainties about baby vaccinations. Let’s address some of these questions today!
Are vaccines safe for my baby?
Yes. Vaccines are safe as they have to undergo thorough research and quality testing, including clinical trials before they are certified approved for public use. The safety of vaccines is also closely monitored by regulatory authorities to ensure they meet strict safety standards.
What if I delay or skip certain vaccines?
The timing at which vaccines should be administered are carefully planned to maximise effectiveness. It is generally good practice to follow the recommended vaccination schedule as closely as possible. Delaying or skipping vaccines leaves your baby unprotected during the time when they need protection the most. In other words, unless advised by a healthcare professional, pausing vaccinations is not favourable as it increases your child’s susceptibility to diseases.
Can my child be vaccinated if he/she is not feeling well?
In most cases, a mild flu or cough do not interfere with vaccinations and can be carried out as per usual. However, if your baby is down with a fever or has a compromised immune system, it is essential to consult a doctor before the vaccines are being administered.
Why do some vaccines require multiple doses?
The immune system of a young infant is not fully developed hence, multiple doses of some vaccines are required to help stimulate immunity and boost the immune response that declines over time.
Do baby vaccinations cause any side effects?
Your child may experience some vaccine-related adverse reactions that are mild and temporary.
These side effects include:
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
- Increased sleepiness
- Fussiness and irritability
- Redness and swelling at injection site
- Soreness on the leg or arm where the vaccine was administered
How does vaccinating my child protect the community?
1. Herd immunity: Vaccination helps establish herd immunity, also known as community immunity. When a significant portion of the population is vaccinated against a particular disease, it creates a barrier that prevents the disease from spreading easily. This protects vulnerable individuals who may not be able to receive vaccines due to medical reasons, such as infants who are too young or people with weakened immune systems. By vaccinating your child, you contribute to the overall immunity of the community, reducing the likelihood of outbreaks and protecting those who are more vulnerable.
2. Preventing disease transmission: When a person is vaccinated, they are less likely to contract and spread the infection. By reducing the number of infected individuals in a community, the overall risk of disease transmission decreases, benefiting everyone.
3. Global impact: Infectious diseases know no boundaries and modern day tourism makes it a lot easier for diseases to spread across countries. By vaccinating your child, it contributes to the global effort in preventing the spread of diseases. This is particularly important for diseases that are present in certain parts of the world but can be imported into communities where they have been eradicated or controlled.
