» Q&A Essential Information: Why are Children's Vaccines Necessary?
Q: What is a vaccine?
A: A vaccine is a substance that stimulates the body to build immunity against various diseases without actually getting sick. It helps reduce the severity of the disease and limits the spread of infection within the community.
Q: Why are vaccines important for children?
A: Because children's immune systems are not yet strong, vaccination helps protect them against serious diseases such as measles, mumps, rubella, pertussis (whooping cough), tetanus, and polio.
Q: At what age should a child receive their first vaccines.
A: Vaccinations begin at birth with shots such as BCG (Bacille Calmette-Guérin) and Hepatitis B, followed by subsequent doses according to the schedule specified in the vaccination booklet (or 'child health book')
Q: What happens if my child gets vaccinated late?
A: They can still be vaccinated, but you should complete the full course as soon as possible to ensure continuous immunity (or 'to maintain continuous protection')
Q: Should a child who is ill get a vaccine?
A: If the child has a high fever or an acute/severe illness, vaccination should be postponed. However, if they have only mild symptoms, such as a slight runny nose or a minor cough, they can receive the vaccine as scheduled.
Q: Can children with milk allergies, food allergies, or underlying medical conditions (chronic diseases) receive vaccinations?
A: Most children can be vaccinated, but you must inform the doctor every time so they can assess safety on an individual basis (or 'on a case-by-case basis').
Q: What symptoms can children have after vaccination?
A: They may experience a mild fever, soreness, swelling, and redness at the injection site, which usually disappear within 1-2 days. If the child develops a high fever, is unusually drowsy, or cries incessantly (abnormally fussy), you should seek immediate medical attention.
Q: Should I give my child fever medication after a vaccine?
A: If the child develops a fever or is excessively fussy/irritable, you can give a fever-reducing medication (pain reliever) as advised by the doctor, but it should not be given before the vaccination.
Q: Why are multiple doses of vaccines necessary?
A: Some vaccines require multiple doses to stimulate a high enough and long-lasting immunity.
Q: What is a combination vaccine?
A: It is a vaccine that combines protection against multiple diseases in a single shot, such as DTP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis), which helps reduce the number of injections required.
Q: Are supplemental vaccines necessary?
A: Supplemental vaccines, such as the Rotavirus, Influenza, or IPD vaccines, although not part of the standard (or 'national') program, are recommended because they help reduce the risk of severe illness.
Q: Is the COVID-19 vaccine necessary for children?
A: It is still necessary, especially for children with underlying medical conditions, as it helps reduce the severity of symptoms and complications.
Q:If a child has already had the disease, do they still need to be vaccinated?
A: In most cases, vaccination is still required, such as for Measles, Rubella, or COVID-19, because immunity from natural infection may not be permanent (or durable).
Q: Are vaccines dangerous?
A: The vaccine has passed very high safety standards. Severe side effects are very rare compared to the benefits.
Q: How should I care for my child after vaccination?
A: Rest, drink plenty of fluids, and if you have a fever, you can wipe your body to reduce the fever. Watch for any abnormal symptoms within 48 hours.
Q: If I have a fever after vaccination, what should I do?
A: Use fever-reducing medication as prescribed by your doctor. If your fever is higher than 38.5°C for more than 2 consecutive days, or you experience lethargy or rapid breathing, you should see a doctor immediately.
Q: How should vaccines be stored?
A: The vaccine must be stored at 2-8°C and not frozen to maintain its effectiveness in preventing disease.
Q: What should I do if I miss my vaccination appointment?
A: Please bring your vaccination book to the staff to adjust the vaccination schedule as soon as possible.
Q: Can multiple vaccines be administered at the same time?
A: Most can be done on the same day, with injections in different locations to save time and ensure complete immunity.
Q: Why is vaccination important for society?
A: Because when most children are fully vaccinated, herd immunity will occur, helping to reduce disease outbreaks and protect children who have not yet been vaccinated.
For more information, please contact the Pediatric Center, Building 2, 2nd Floor, Tel. 0 2530 2556 ext. 2200, 2201.