Its crucial to vaccinate Kids against   Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Influenza & Chickenpox, says Dr Sunil Agrawal

Mohali, April 27, 2024: To promote collective efforts to protect people from vaccine-preventable diseases, World Immunization Week is celebrated in the last week of April (24th to 30th April) every year. The aim is to spread awareness about the benefits of vaccination and how children and adults can be protected from vaccine-preventable diseases. The theme for this year’s event is “Humanly Possible: Immunization for All.”

Dr Sunil Kumar Agrawal, Additional Director and Head, Paediatrics & Neonatology, Fortis Hospital Mohali, in an advisory issued to commemorate World Immunization Week highlights the importance of immunization.

“Immunization campaigns have enabled us to eradicate smallpox, nearly defeat polio, and ensure more children survive and thrive than ever before. Immunization currently prevents 3.5-5 million deaths every year from diseases like diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, influenza and measles,” said Dr Agrawal.

Discussing guidelines of the World Health Organization (WHO), he further said, “At present, vaccines are available to prevent more than 20 life-threatening diseases which will help people live longer. Under the Universal Immunization Program (UIP), immunization is provided free of cost against 12 vaccine preventable diseases such as Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus, Polio, Measles, Rubella, severe form of Childhood Tuberculosis, Hepatitis B, diseases by Hemophilus Influenza type B, Rotavirus Diarrhoea, Pneumococcal Pneumonia and Japanese Encephalitis.”

Dr Agrawal said the Indian Academy of Pediatrics had also recommended that babies could get vaccinated against diseases like Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Influenza, Chickenpox, Meningoccocal disease and diseases caused by Human Papilloma Virus.

Sensitizing parents not to delay the vaccination process, Dr Agrawal, added, “Parents worry about the baby undergoing pain and getting fever post vaccination. The side effects are mild and can easily be managed with medications like oral paracetamol. There are some measures to soothe the baby and help them rest better.”

How to soothe the baby

· Hold the baby close during vaccination: Parents should stay nearby so that they can distract the baby. Also, hold the infant’s upper arm or thigh so that the provider can administer the injection.

· Feed the baby: This helps relieve vaccination pain. Studies have shown that babies who were breastfed during vaccination cried less.

· Distraction helps: Distracting the baby helps reduce vaccination pain. Items such as bubbles, toys etc. can help distract the baby’s attention.

· Numbing medicines: Rub-on agents such as EMLA (eutectic mixture of local anesthetics) cream, help numb the skin and relieve pain. Some sprays also help relieve pain and work in a few seconds.

· Rub the skin your post vaccination: Gently rub your baby’s skin near the injection site. The light massage may keep the baby from feeling the pain.

· Alternatives to needle: Sometimes, doctors can reduce vaccination pain by using a needle-free device, such as those that use compressed air to inject medication into the skin.