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Vaccination is important to keep your child healthy, however, there are certain myths associated with it, so we roped in a health expert to help parents clear all the misconceptions about vaccination in children. Read on and schedule an appointment to ensure your child stays on track with the vaccination schedule.
In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Amit P Ghavade, consultant-paediatrician and neonatologist at Motherhood Hospitals in Kharghar, Mumbai, said, “Vaccines are considered safe to protect children from diseases such as smallpox, measles, mumps, diphtheria, tetanus and polio. Unfortunately, there is a lot of misinformation about child vaccines, which causes some parents to panic and delay vaccination thinking they are dangerous for children. Parents should rest assured as we are busting the myths associated with vaccination in children.”
He busted the following myths related to vaccination in children –
Myth #1: Vaccines make your child sick and affect his/her overall health
fact: It is believed that vaccinations contain traces of viruses or bacteria that can cause the diseases they are supposed to prevent. Understand that vaccines contain dead or inactivated viruses or bacteria that give a strong immune response without making the child sick. Vaccines cannot make you sick, but some children will have pain or flu-like symptoms at the injection site for a day or two after getting a flu shot. Parents should not panic and try to clear all their doubts with the doctor.
Myth #2: Vaccines are full of harmful chemicals
fact: Many ingredients present in vaccines are known to be toxic, harmful or reactive. However, this is completely false. These vaccines are made with ingredients that are even lower than the doses naturally present in our environment. Thimerosal, a mercury-containing compound, is used as a preservative for vaccines. We are also exposed to mercury naturally in milk, seafood and contact lens solutions. Therefore, parents should not believe the false information available online and get their child vaccinated without any delay.
Myth #3: The MMR vaccine increases the risk of autism in children
fact: Vaccines are considered safe for children. Most vaccine reactions are temporary, and the child may have a fever or a sore arm. The child will definitely not develop autism or any other disease. There is no link between vaccines and autism.
Myth #4: Other parents may have vaccinated their children, so it is perfectly okay not to vaccinate because many children are immunized
fact: If flu cases increase, children who have not been vaccinated will fall sick. Therefore, as a parent, you cannot rely on another child’s immunity to protect your children. It is better to get your child vaccinated rather than relying on others.
Myth #5: Breastfeeding is enough to protect your baby from infections
fact: Breastfeeding is not a substitute for vaccination. Breastfeeding certainly provides protection against certain infections, especially viral respiratory infections, ear infections and diarrhoea. However, to prevent smallpox, measles, mumps, diphtheria, tetanus and polio, it will be mandatory for parents to vaccinate their children. It is better to consult a specialist without any delay and prepare a proper vaccination schedule for your child.
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