When my firstborn turned 4 years old, I had just delivered my son. As you can imagine, a lot of my time and effort was spent on the newborn. With all the sleepless nights, the crying and the erratic schedule that became a part of my routine, I let some things slide.
I was so occupied with managing it all that I forgot that my daughter also needed her vaccination shots. I know that the vaccinations kids get are extremely important and essential, but I missed it. I thought it was OK if I delayed it. She was any way at home and not stepping out. My paediatrician told me how wrong I was to think that my daughter was safe from any infectious diseases.
Vaccination is one of the best ways parents can protect infants and children from potentially harmful diseases that can be very serious, may require hospitalization, or even be deadly.
What Is A Vaccine?
The Stanford Children’s Health Organization defines a vaccine as
‘a dead, or weakened version, or part of the germ that causes the disease in question. When children are exposed to a disease in vaccine form, their immune system, which is the body’s germ-fighting machine, can build up antibodies that protect them from contracting the disease if and when they are exposed to the actual disease.
Vaccinations not only protect your child from deadly diseases, such as polio, tetanus, pertussis and diphtheria, but they also keep other children safe by eliminating or greatly decreasing dangerous diseases that spread from child to child.
Babies need 3 shots of DTP to build up high levels of protection against Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis (whooping cough)
A primary series of 3 doses of DTP-containing vaccine is recommended, with the first dose administered as early as 6 weeks of age. Subsequent doses should be given with an interval of at least 4 weeks between doses. The third dose of the primary series should be completed by the time they turn 6 months.
What Is A Booster Vaccine?
Booster doses are a reminder for your child’s immune system to keep them safe and protected from a range of diseases. It is important to complete the circle of protection and build their immunity and health.
Most of your child’s vaccinations are completed between birth and 6 years. Many vaccines are given more than once, at different ages, and in combinations. This means that you’ll need to keep a careful record of your child’s shots.
In the current pandemic, our kids are not eligible for the COVID vaccine yet. However, we need to ensure that they are protected and their immunity is not compromised. DTP vaccination between the ages of 4-6 years is very important to keep them safe from highly contagious diseases like Diphtheria, tetanus and Pertussis.
Why Are DTP Booster Vaccines Important
- DTP vaccines are needed to prevent Diphtheria, Tetanus and Pertussis which are highly contagious diseases. These vaccines are recommended by the Indian Association of Pediatrics (IAP) and the WHO and CDC health authorities.
- Diphtheria and Pertussis can result in respiratory problems. These have proven to be fatal in babies (who do not have a well-developed immune system yet) and older adults who have reduced immune response.
- Tetanus or lockjaw is also a deadly disease for which routine vaccination is a must to prevent fatal outcomes post injuries.
Now that you know why the DTP vaccine and the booster shots are important, check with your paediatrician if you are on track and #Don’tWaitVaccinate your little ones. Let’s take these necessary steps to keep them safe. Click here to read more about the DTP Booster vaccine.
In Association With Sanofi Pasteur
KSP Team
Janani S Koushik
Mansi Zaveri
