Before immunisations were available, many diseases would claim the lives of young children. However, today, it is a very different story; therefore, it is important to ensure that children have their basic health protected through the immunisations available against common illnesses.
Despite the mass availability of vaccines, life can create unexpected events that may disrupt the immunisation schedule and leave children without their recommended vaccines.
With this in mind, what options are available for parents if they cannot adhere to the preferred vaccination schedule? Furthermore, is it ever too late to start getting a child immunized?
Immunisations can protect children from various preventable diseases. The recommended vaccines typically include BCG, for tuberculosis, DTaP, which protects against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (whooping cough). MMR vaccine guards against measles, mumps, and rubella. The Polio vaccine prevents this highly contagious viral disease from infecting young children.
Hepatitis B protects individuals against this viral liver infection, whilst Meningococcal protects children against bacterial meningitis. PCV13 guards against pneumococcal diseases, and Rotavirus shields against severe diarrhoea and vomiting. These vaccines are usually administered in a series of doses over the first few years of a child’s life to ensure their immune system develops resistance to these diseases.
The immunisation schedule is designed to provide the best protection during a child’s vulnerable years. The recommended immunisation schedule, as outlined by various health authorities, is as follows.
Many vaccines start during the first year of life, with multiple doses for maximum effectiveness. Early Childhood booster shots are given to toddlers during preschool years. Pre-adolescence may be given additional vaccines before entering school, whilst adolescents are given certain vaccines, like the HPV and meningococcal vaccine, during their teen years.
It’s important for parents to follow this schedule to ensure that their children are adequately protected when mixing with other youngsters whilst in education.
Life can be unpredictable, and sometimes parents may find it challenging to adhere to the recommended immunisation schedule due to various reasons that can include health issues of the parent or preexisting ones that have developed in their children.
Depending on the issue in question, it can sometimes contraindicate a vaccine. Therefore, a healthcare provider should be approached for guidance on alternative schedules.
Logistical challenges such as moving home or busy career schedules can disrupt vaccine appointments. In such cases, catching up on missed doses where possible is advised.
Vaccine hesitancy is common in parents because of the possible side effects associated with certain immunisations. Engaging in open, evidence-based conversations with healthcare professionals can help address these concerns and maintain immunisation schedules.
If vaccines are not free, then financial constraints can create an extra barrier for parents. If this is the case, then government assistance programs or community clinics that offer vaccines at reduced or no costs can prevent this from stopping parents from getting their children inoculated against common illnesses.
It’s rarely too late to start immunisations. Even if a child misses some recommended doses, catching up is possible in most cases. Health professionals can design a catch-up schedule tailored to a child’s specific needs and age if they have fallen behind on their vaccination program.
However, the sooner this schedule gets back on track, the better. Timely immunisation is vital to protecting children from getting illnesses once they mix with others their own age. Vaccinations can also prevent outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases in the wider community.
Adhering to the recommended immunisation schedule is important, but since life can present challenges, the key to safety is to stay informed, communicate with healthcare providers, and work together to ensure the safety of children so that they can receive the protection they need against preventable diseases. Immunisations are a lifelong investment in a child’s health, and it’s never too late to prioritise their well-being.