Delayed and missed vaccines can seriously impact children

The COVID -19 pandemic has led to major disturbances in the delivery of essential health services, i

The COVID -19 pandemic has led to major disturbances in the delivery of essential health services, including routine immunisation services in many countries. The WHO reported major disruptions in vaccination in many countries around the globe. According to statistics, approximately 80 million below the age of 1 year live in countries where routine immunisation services were disrupted, which put the residents at risk of developing vaccine-preventable diseases.

When we go through history, the African Ebola outbreak in 2014-2015 increased the number of cases of Measles and Tuberculosis due to public health system failure. A sustained period of disrupted immunisation can result in an accumulation of susceptible individuals, which in turn can lead to disease outbreaks. Even in normal days (not at the time of an epidemic or a pandemic,) a delay in vaccination is not good for the health of a child. Children below the age of 5 have an under-developed immune system, especially those younger than age 1 year. Along with breast milk and a balanced diet, vaccine is the next important tool for the well-being of the baby. Missing a vaccine puts your child at risk of contracting vaccine-preventable diseases. A delayed vaccination means making them susceptible to infections. The longer your child remains unimmunised, the higher their chances of getting exposed to and contracting diseases.

Delayed vaccination in children can also put other family members at risk, especially the elderly, those with compromised immunity due to chronic health issues, and infants.

Catch-up vaccinations are administered to people who have not been previously vaccinated or have missed a scheduled dose of vaccine. This solution provides optimal protection against diseases as quickly as possible by completing an individual’s vaccination schedule in the shortest and most effective manner.

Multiple vaccines can be administered in the same session without any fear of any increased adverse effects. We may use the shortest acceptable interval between two doses of the same vaccine. When missed, the booster doses may be given at the next opportunity available at the earliest. Parents, who are not comfortable visiting the hospital (particularly in this covid-19 pandemic situation), can avail of home vaccination services that may be available in their city through their hospital. Parents can take prior appointments (online or telephonic) for vaccination to reduce the waiting time in the hospital.

Dr. B.S.C.P. Raju, MD DCH, Fellowship in Neonatology, Consultant Neonatologist & Pediatrician, Rainbow Children’s Hospital, Vijayawada

The Covid-19 pandemic for the last 2 years has definitely affected the immunisation process in children, but with the above measures, we can accelerate the vaccination process for children.