Are Vaccines a Must for Children?

As parents we would like to prevent any illnesses and diseases. However, what happens when they stem from our very own nonchalant attitude towards vaccines? Is it truly a must for every child? Let’s find out.

How does immunity work?

A child gets sick when his body is invaded by germs and viruses. When the measles virus for instance, enters the body it makes that child sick with measles. It is the job of the immune system to protect him from these germs. Here’s how it works:

Germs enter the body and start to reproduce. The immune system recognises these germs as invaders from outside the body and responds by making proteins called antibodies. Antibodies have two jobs. The first is to help destroy the germs that are making the child sick. Because the germs are already in the system, the child will already be sick by the time his immune system has produced enough antibodies to destroy them. The antibodies will eventually help him get well by eliminating the attacking germs.

As for its second task, the antibodies remain in the bloodstream, guarding against future infections. If the same germs were to gain entry for a second round of infection – even after many years – these antibodies will come to the defence. Only, now they can destroy the germs before they have a chance to make the child sick. This process is called immunity. It is why most people get diseases like measles or chickenpox only once, even though they might be exposed many times during their lifetime.

Although an effective system for disease prevention, the problem stems from having the child fall sick before developing immunity.

How do vaccines help?

If your child is vaccinated, it gives him the immunity required to fight off a disease before it has a chance to make him sick. Vaccines are made from the same germs that causes a disease. But the germs in vaccines are either killed or weakened so they won’t make the child sick.

The vaccines containing these weakened or killed germs are introduced into the body, usually by injection. The immune system reacts to the vaccine the same as it would if it were being invaded by the disease – by making antibodies. The antibodies destroy the vaccine germs just as they would the disease germs. Then they stay in the body, providing immunity. Hence, if the child is exposed to the real disease, the antibodies will be there to protect.

Immunisations help your child’s immune system do its work. The child develops protection against future infections, the same as if he had been exposed to the natural disease. The good news is, with vaccines your child doesn’t have to get sick first to get that protection.

Reasons To Vaccinate Your Child

• Immunisation can save your child’s life. Some diseases that once injured or killed thousands of children, have been eliminated completely and others are close to extinction – primarily due to safe and effective vaccines. Polio and smallpox are examples of the great impact that vaccines have had in in big countries like the United States.
• Vaccinations are very safe and effective. Vaccines are reviewed carefully by scientists, doctors, and healthcare professionals. Serious side effects following vaccination, such as severe allergic reaction, are very rare. The disease-prevention benefits of getting vaccines are much greater than the possible side effects for almost all children.
• Immunisation protects others you care about. While some babies are too young to be protected by vaccination, others may not be able to receive certain vaccinations due to severe allergies or weakened immune systems from conditions like leukemia, etc. To help keep them safe, it is important that you and your children who are able to get vaccinated are fully immunised. This not only protects your family, but also helps prevent the spread of these diseases to family and friends.
• Immunisation saves time and money. Some vaccine-preventable diseases can result in prolonged disabilities and can take a financial toll because of lost time at work, medical bills or long-term disability care.
• Immunisation protects future generations. Vaccines have reduced and in some cases, eliminated many diseases that killed or severely disabled people just a few generations ago. If we continue vaccinating, parents in the future may be able to trust that some diseases of today will no longer be around to harm their children and the future generation.

Protect your child via the National Immunisation Programme

The National Immunisation Programme in Malaysia advocates routine childhood immunisations for multiple infectious diseases. Vaccines against certain diseases are provided free by the government, so why not take advantage of this provision? You can have your child immunized at any Government clinic in your neighborhood.

Investing in optional vaccines for your child’s health

The Ministry of Health takes care of many deadly diseases by providing free vaccinations. However, parents are highly encouraged to pay due attention to the optional vaccines which will also be offered by their children’s doctors and seriously consider these vaccines. Calamity strikes without warning and many parents have found out the hard way that they should have paid more attention to the optional vaccines that were advocated by doctors. The vaccines mentioned here are equally important as the free vaccines provided by the Ministry Of Health and may protect your children and family against avoidable suffering and the risk of serious health complications.