Children who missed vaccine doses during Covid 19 should get vaccinated at the earliest says Dr. Sunil Agrawal

Chandigarh, May 6, 2022: The unprecedented Covid-19 pandemic brought the world to a standstill and affected the health of one and all in ways unknown. The vaccination schedule of kids was effected. This invariably brought to the fore the importance of immunization as it lowers one’s risk of contracting infections.

Even as adhering to covid protocols continues to be the need of the hour, early vaccination can go a long way in controlling the spread of covid, said Dr Sunil Kumar Agrawal, Senior Consultant and Head, Paediatrics & Neonatology, Fortis Hospital Mohali, in an advisory issued today to commemorate the World Immunization Week.

To spread awareness on how vaccinations provide life-long immunity from several diseases, World Immunization Week is observed from 24-30 April every year. The theme for this year’s Immunization Week is “Long Life for All.”

Stressing on the need for immunization during childhood, adolescence and adulthood, Dr Agrawal, said, “Vaccines are the most effective tool in preventing infection and attaining immunity, particularly in children. As children are susceptible to a host of infections, immunization can prevent illness, disability and disease like tuberculosis, tetanus, measles, polio, rubella, smallpox, cervical cancer etc.”

However, owing to the pandemic, several children have not been able to get the essential vaccinations, which invariably puts them at a higher risk of contracting infections. Dr Agrawal said several people had approached him after the lockdown was eased regarding their children missing a scheduled dose of vaccine. Stating that a strict approach needs to be adopted in following the vaccination schedule, Dr Agrawal, added, “The Covid-19 pandemic disrupted the vaccination schedules of several patients. But parents of children need to bring such issues to our notice so that immediate action can be initiated. Even if there is a gap of a few months in a child’s vaccination, parents should resume the cycle at the earliest.”