As a parent, You all must be aware of vaccines that you all must be giving to your child. There are various newer vaccines that keep coming into the market after research and development. there are some painless vaccines too. It is your right to get information regarding various new vaccines available for your child for better growth and prevention of infections.
Traditionally following vaccines were given by govt of India in Delhi NCR: BCG, polio drops, DwPT/DTwP (which causes pain and fever, usually lasting for 24 to 48 hours ), Hepatitis B, measles, MMR, typhoid.
The latest Immunization schedule as per the Indian academy of pediatrics has added few more vaccines which are gentle DTaP along with Hib and IPV( Injectable polio vaccine), Rotavirus, Pneumococcal, Hepatitis A, Chickenpox and in high-risk children Flu, Meningococcal.
DTP:
One important thing which I wanted to emphasize that whether you give traditional DTP or gentle DTAP both has equal efficacy in Indian circumstance, the only difference being in the side effects. So the huge amount of difference in cost is to prevent side effects only (these symptoms of fever and pain can be managed easily by giving crocin/ paracetamol). So it’s for u to decide which one to go for as medically both are equally potent. It all depends on your ability to handle a baby who is cranky.
IPV:
Injectable polio vaccine is the best option for the complete protection of your baby in present circumstances. In countries where polio has been eradicated IPV is the only option available.
Rotavirus:
This vaccine helps in preventing diarrhea/loss of motion. But giving this vaccine does not mean that your baby will not have diarrhea ever in life. This vaccine only prevents Rota Virus, which is a virus that causes serious diarrhea usually needing admission in hospital and IV fluids. And this being a viral illness is difficult to prevent.
Hepatitis A:
Jaundice is very commonly seen in India throughout the calendar year with a peak in the rainy season. This vaccine prevents jaundice, as no matter how cautious you are, once in a while we all dine out and drink water from unreliable sources which can cause jaundice. So this vaccine is strongly recommended.
Chicken Pox:
Regarding this disease, you all know that it can cause rashes on the face with permanent scarring. when this disease occurs in the adult age group, it is much more severe, so this vaccine is also recommended by IAP.
Pneumococcal vaccine:
This organism causes serious infections, which include ASOM (ear infection), Pneumonia, Meningitis (brain infection). And once the child gets infection due to this pneumococcal, it invariably needs IV antibiotics (ranging from 7 to 14 days). Some people promote this vaccine as a vaccine against Pneumonia, but again it does not means that if you give this vaccine your child will never have Pneumonia (as there are many organisms that can cause pneumonia). The main problem with this vaccine is the huge cost, if cost is not an issue then this vaccine must be given, at least before your child starts going to playschool.
Haemophilus influenzae type B:
This vaccine is being given along with DTP universally these days, now even govt of India has introduced this vaccine in a pilot project in Delhi, so it is being given along with DTP and Hepatitis B. A must vaccine for your child.
Flu:
It’s a seasonal vaccine that needs to be given every year in the high-risk group. Flu keeps changing its structure every few years. eg you must have heard of Bird flu many years back, later swine flu a few years back (latest vaccine covers against swine flu ) but few years down the line some new virus will come.
Meningococcal:
The latest vaccine against this disease is Menactra, which is a highly efficacious vaccine but the most expensive vaccine in children to date with an MRP of 4500Rs. But this disease has a very high mortality (can cause death within 24 hours), 2nd only to Rabies. Although the incidence of this disease is low, considering its high mortality, it can be given if cost is not an issue. Delhi had lots of cases in our break a few years back.
You can send in your queries regarding any vaccine to me and I will try to give you an unbiased opinion about it.
Stay Healthy and prevent Diseases
By Dr. Rahul Varma
