Immunisations remain one of the most effective preventative health measures and have saved countless children from death or serious disability. Despite this, immunisation is an emotional issue for many parents. The fact is as vaccine-preventable diseases are becoming less common (due to the success of vaccination programs) parents have very little familiarity with the devastating effects or even fatal consequences of vaccine-preventable illnesses and thus the benefits of immunisations may seem less important to parents than the potential adverse effects.
As a mom, I can understand that parents only want the best for their children, but as a person working in the health field I also understand that the media often give greater weight to anecdotal claims about the dangers or side effects of vaccines compared to the rigorous scientific studies that have proven safety and effectiveness of vaccines. Having worked in South Africa and seeing firsthand what some of these diseases can do to children, I am a strong advocate for vaccination.
Believing that the child is not at risk or the diseases are not dangerous is a direct consequence of the success of immunisation programs throughout the world. Unvaccinated children have a higher risk of acquiring vaccine-preventable illnesses and this has been proven in studies and mathematical models. The health consequences of vaccine refusal for the population have been demonstrated by numerous outbreaks of vaccine preventable diseases.
Studies show that parental concerns have remained relatively unchanged over the years and include concerns regarding safety and side effects, religious objections and philosophical objections. Most vaccine side effects are minor and do not compare with the severe symptoms the child could experience if they were to actually contract one of the diseases. Local skin reaction at the injection site (redness, swelling) and low-grade fevers can last two to three days and can be easily managed with antipyretic medication such as paracetamol.
The majority of vaccinations included in the schedules are the same for most countries but the timings of the recommended vaccinations might differ between first and third world countries. Third world countries vaccinate at an earlier age with shorter intervals as these children are at higher risk for these infections for various reasons.
If your child’s vaccinations were started in a different country, your local paediatrician can continue with the same schedule and at the same time ensure that all the vaccinations required by the DHA are included. It is important to know that most schools and kindergartens in Dubai will require a copy of your child’s vaccination record for registration.
Medical exemptions for vaccination include children who have had an anaphylactic reaction to a vaccine or vaccine component and immunocompromised children (for example, children who are receiving chemotherapy)
Some vaccines require only a single dose while others require repeated doses (called boosters) to ensure adequate antibody levels for life-long protection. It is advised not to deviate from the recommended childhood vaccine schedules, as alternative schedules are not founded by science and increase the risk of non-compliance and duration of vulnerability to vaccine preventable diseases.
The vaccines currently given in the UAE include the following:
Our children count on our protection and care and it is our responsibility to provide them with such- hugs and kisses after vaccinations included.
Mediclinic Welcare Hospital
www.mediclinic.ae
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