Certain potentially dangerous diseases can be prevented by introducing specific agents into the body to trigger the immune system into action artificially. This is known as immunization, or vaccination. 

A vaccine may contain part of a bacteria or virus with its poison rendered harmless, or a weakened form of the live bacteria or virus. It stimulates the body to make antibodies without incurring the major risks of the disease. If your child then comes into contact with the disease, the antibodies protect him against the infection. 

All countries have immunization programmes to protect against major diseases, but the schedule may vary. They include protection against diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), tetanus, polio, measles, mumps, rubella (German measles), tuberculosis (TB) and a strain of Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib). Some countries offer routine protection against group C meningococcal disease, varicella (chickenpox) and hepatitis B.  

Other immunizations are available against influenza and pneumococcus if you child needs protection against these diseases. It is important to protect a child against the major diseases, which may have serious complications or result in death. Some diseases are rarely seen in industrialised countries but are rife in other countries.  

If immunization declines, these diseases may be introduced by travellers from areas where they still exist, and unimmunized children will be at risk. There will also be a rise in infectious diseases, such as measles, mumps and whooping cough, if not enough children are immunized against them. 

Vaccine Safety And Side Effects

After immunization, you can give your child a dose of paracetamol. In many cases, this will prevent him getting a fever. Some parents are concerned about the safety of a vaccine. Vaccines can only be licensed for use after rigorous testing for their effectiveness and safety. There may be side effects, but most of them are not serious. 

When To Avoid Vaccination 

Sometimes an immunization may need to be postponed, and some children should not receive certain vaccines. Tell your doctor if your child has an acute illness with a fever, an allergy to eggs, a bad reaction to a previous immunization or has had fits or convulsions in the past. Also tell him if your child, you or anyone else in the family is being treated for a malignant disease with chemotherapy or radiotherapy, is on high doses of steroids or has HIV or AIDS. 

If your child has a minor illness, such as a cold, or is on antibiotics but is otherwise well, he can be immunized. Children with asthma or eczema can also be immunized. Children who are allergic to eggs can usually be given MMR, but consult your doctor. Premature babies should start their routine immunizations two months after birth, the same age as other babies.

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