How to protect children with vaccinations during COVID-19 pandemic
Being a parent is a big responsibility. One has to make many decisions on what is best for their child and how to protect their children. The protection comes in many folds, from baby-proofing the house to travel-proofing with a car seat. However, not all possible threats to your children’s safety are visible. There can be sudden and unforeseen incidences, with vaccinations we get that power to safeguard and protect our children. These vaccines help them fight diseases and provide comprehensive protection against acute bacterial and viral infections. During the last 6-7 months, the entire country was facing lockdown and restricted outdoor access. With healthcare available online it’s important to continue to protect children with vaccinations during COVID-19 pandemic.
do not miss any routine Vaccination
Vaccines help prevent possible infectious diseases. Without vaccinations and their timely booster dose, your children may be at risk for serious illnesses including measles, mumps, whooping cough and flu, which could be fatal in some cases. The best thing we can do to our children for a healthy life is to follow the vaccinations schedule and make sure that they receive all their vaccines on time.
You must refer the complete details and recommendation of immunization by Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP) Advisory Committee on Vaccines and Immunization for Indian children ages 0-18 years here
New Borns and vaccinations during COVID-19 pandemic
Newborns may be protected against some kind of infection because they have received antibodies from their mothers. But their immunity levels begin to fade in the first few months of life. Skipping their vaccinations during these tough times may leave them vulnerable to infectious diseases. Even breastfed babies need to be protected with all the vaccines at the recommended ages. While breast milk provides important and temporary protection from some minor infections like colds, mild ear infections or diarrhoea, as the baby’s immune system is developing. Breast milk will not protect her against all possible diseases. They would need long-term protection that can only come from making sure they receive all their vaccines according to the recommended immunization schedule, before any exposure to diseases.
Vaccinating children during COVID-19 pandemic
It is important that your children stay up-to-date with their routine vaccinations even during the COVID-19 pandemic. If your child is due for its next dose or booster vaccination, do not cancel the appointment. Call your paediatrician and check for the safety measure they follow. As per current guidelines, all hospitals and clinics are taking special measures and precautions to keep your child safe from coronavirus. You may even choose to get these appointments at your home if you wish for hassle-free vaccinations during COVID-19 pandemic. Alternatively, safeguarding your child with a mask or headgear during a hospital visit too, avoiding sitting there and carrying only the essential files or papers.
High-RIsk Vaccinations: important for comprehensive protection
There are already a set of vaccines that are recommended compulsory for all Indian children by the Government and the Indian Academy of Paediatricians. These include protection against some of the common and dangerous diseases and the ones targeted by the government’s immunisation programme. And paediatricians give a vaccination/ immunisation schedule which clearly reflects these compulsory vaccinations. While those are of utmost importance there are a certain set of vaccinations which are not compulsory and optional. Most of these are often skipped by parents as the Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP) recommends this for high-risk children. With sudden high-risk situations like these, it feels right to offer complete high-risk vaccination suggested protecting children during COVID-19 pandemic too. These recommendations are as below
- Influenza Vaccine
- Meningococcal Vaccine
- Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine
- Cholera Vaccine
- Rabies Vaccine
- Yellow Fever Vaccine
- Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine (PPSV 23)
Must Read– A Mom’s Guide to Influenza and The missing link in protection against Meningococcal Meningitis
Boosting immunity for the overall protection of children during COVID-19 pandemic
For the overall protection of children, it’s important to follow a holistic approach, along with timely vaccinations to get their immunity level boosted up too. This shall help protect children with vaccinations during COVID-19 pandemic. Also, would ensure they are fit and strong from the inside and stay a happy balanced life. these are some easy tips and tricks to raising their immunity level up
- Maintain a proper sleep schedule. An average toddler needs around 12 hours of sleep a night; children aged three to six – 10-12 hours; seven-12 years old – 10-11 hours; and teenagers – around eight to nine hours
- Include some form of moderate exercise during the day.
- Maintaining good hygiene by taking a bath daily and washing/sanitising hands before and after meals
- including seasonal fruits and vegetables in diet over frozen or canned ones
- Serve warm regular healthy meals and snacks
- Avoid any processed food and try to provide home-cooked meals whenever possible. Don’t forget to include fruits as well.
Read the detailed post here – Boosting toddlers and kids’ immunity
The doctor recommends a moderately active lifestyle, balanced nutrition and timely vaccination to protect children with vaccinations during COVID-19 pandemic. I hope you find this information useful and it shall help you make informed decisions.
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So agree with u. Covid is no excuse to miss vaccination
Vaccinations are indeed very important.. We should not miss any of them.. Very informative post
I am glad that this topic is being discussed. Still cant understand how in 2020, people are anti vaccine!
I can’t agree more, vaccination indeed is so vital
Even though there is a pandemic fear vaccines shouldn’t be postpone to keep them protected. #tmmreads
I was a bit afraid while stepping out for a vaccination of my little one but after speaking to her pediatrician, we understood how important it was not to delay it. We took all the necessary precautionary measures and got the vaccination done on the due date.
Vaccination is very important and delaying it cannot be a good idea. It is the way to protect kids from various diseases and infections and. Parents should take care to give timely vaccines.
We are sanitizing everything to keep the kid safe. It is a difficult time truly!
Pandemic is not an excuse to delay vaccination. Your post is a timely reminder for all parents who have been delaying for fear of going to hospitals.
Avoid vaccination is a big no. Vaccination is very essential to protect kids from various diseases. So whatever the situation is vaccination shouldn’t be delayed.
indeed precautions are to be taken at all times, and missing vaccinations is an absolute no no. preferably go on the morning of he day itself when it is due.
Thanks for this cunformative post and i agree with all that you say. I was just very thankful that my kids were up to date with their vaccinations during this time.
This is a trying time for everyone. Babies need their vaccinations and we have to see that they are healthy and have immunity as well. Parents should not neglect themselves.
Your pointers are so true. We should take required precautions while visiting the doctor. We are also vaccinating my little one during this time also.
Your post reminded me of the vaccination that is pending after 5 years of the age, shall check with doctor and your helped with the checklist of the things to be done in a great way.
Vaccination is very crucial in this pandemic and booster doses should not be delayed. These precautions is giving proper approach in right way for vaccination.
I agree vaccinations shouldnt be delayed for children. In fact necessary precautions can be take for being risk proof against COVID and then go for vaccinations.
Covid19 outbreak have halted the world’s working and economy but this area can’t be pushed back to any further date and to be taken with utmost caution.
I can’t agree more to it. I’ve faced this situation with my kid. I used to get worried of every missing schedule and at the same time was worried to tale my little daughter out amid the situation outside. Thanks for sharing this.
Completely agree. Following the vaccine routine is imperative.
Its important post for parents…Timely vaccinations are crucial.
If there is a lesson that we all have learnt because of the pandemic, it is taking care of our health and boosting immunity. Your post focusses on an important subject of vaccinations that is of paramount importance to safeguard the children and to shield them from any disease.
A very important topics. Earlier a number of parents had skipped the vaccinations and it would have done more damage than good. Now with more awareness, better sense has prevailed but there is still a long way go.
Vaccination at these times are indeed important because child health is of prime importance a useful read well written.
Vaccination and immune boasting seasonal fruits are a must and children should exercise / play and being active is the main aspect here. Thanks for sharing..
Yes vaccinations are crucial, well written important post for parents
Timely vaccinations are very important. yes the lockdown phase was difficult but children’s health cannot be held on stake. We need to be careful and take necessary precautionary steps. Good points for boosting kids immunity. #PraGunReads #MyFriendAlexa #blogchatter
Yes I agree with you, vaccinations should not be taken for granted at this sensitive time. In fact, they are now more important than ever before. A very informative post!
A very timely post! Much needed in the times of this pandemic that is looming large!
Being a Mother of 6 year old , I understand and agree with your view that circle of safety created by previous vaccination must not be broken . Kids need thier vaccinarion on time for sure.
No way vaccination can be skipped. Adequate precautions should be taken but administration of vaccine at the right time is essential. Your post is spot on.
The COVID19 pandemic has changed everything we knew or believed in. Taking kids to the doctor or even vaccinating them has caused so many questions in my mind. Thank you for writing this informative post.
This is very critical and yes this pandemic cannot be an excuse as child ‘s immunity and right time vaccination is very crucial for their comprehensive growth.
Great post Gunjan and you had covered it all. I agree despite stressful pandemic situation we should not miss any important vaccination of our kids. Also healthy diet and exercise is very important to maintain a good level of immunity.
The pandemic cannot be an excuse to miss regular vaccinations as they’re important for keeping our kids’ immunity up. Proper precautions should be taken while visiting doctors though.
It is critical to protect children through vaccinations, especially during this global pandemic. And a healthy lifestyle should be adopted to boost overall immunity! An informative post!
Vaccinations are essentials and can’t be compromised. I like how you made a list of high risk vaccines and need to stay updated with vaccines.
Vaccination is really important and can’t be avoided, yes proper precaution is really required and should be taken. Glad you have shared this post
Taking care of kid’s health during covid is very important. Timely vaccinations are crucial. They cannot be taken for granted. I feel we should not leave any stone unturned in taking proper precautions from our end.
yes i think vaccinations are very important. at least the basic ones. now hospitals are also sanitizing everything so that the patients are safe. they dont want their premises to be contaminated so they have to.