Baby's Vaccination Delayed Due to Corona Virus Lockdown - What Experts Say

Coronavirus has turned out to be a severe global epidemic. Indian governments are trying hard to contain the infection and have been forced to lockdown entire states to do so. Few of these states are bigger and many times more populous than many of the most affected European countries.

Lockdowns and curfews have been imposed to stop people from travelling in many cities, and more are staring at a similar future. It is likely that you, as a parent to a newborn, are worried about baby’s vaccination and safety from other infections.

So, what should be your priority? Should you venture out and visit clinics and hospitals? Here are few commonly asked questions in this regard by parents and their answers as received from multiple experts:

[You can also ask your queries directly to an expert. Click here to post your question.]

Q1. My Baby’s Vaccination is Due, Can I Get it After Few Days Due to Lockdown?

Answer: Staying safe from Coronavirus infection is the most important thing to do right now. You should follow the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health and local authorities on how to stay safe from Covid-19 infection. Also, you need to ensure regular and adequate breastfeeding for the baby as it helps in building their immunity. The lockdown is a temporary setup and you can go on with the routine vaccination once the situation becomes normal.

In the meanwhile, you can stay connected with your family doctor via phone and online chat. In the wake of health advisory issued by authorities and health ministry, you should avoid visiting clinics and hospitals in person, until the lockdown is lifted.

Q2. What Should I Do If My Baby Falls Ill During Lockdown?

Answer: Medical stores will remain open even during the lockdown, so you can buy medicines. However, do sanitize the packets before opening and using them. You can also store some of the regular medicines as per doctor’s prescription. Avoid visiting the medical store very frequently.

You can stay in touch with your doctor on the phone and video chat so that you can consult them as and when you need. Do not worry about medicines as all medical stores will remain open even during the lockdown.

Q3. What are the symptoms of Corona Infection in a Child?

Answer: Symptoms of Coronavirus infection are the same in everyone including small children. However, these symptoms may not be as prominent in the children (based on the diagnosed cases so far). Symptoms may start as mild fever, dry cough and go on to difficulty in breathing.

If you see any of these symptoms in your child call the coronavirus emergency number immediately and follow the guidelines.

Q4. I am Expecting, Are Pregnant Women More At Risk of Coronavirus Infection?

Answer: As per the CDC (Centre for Disease Control) and other medical authorities, it cannot be confirmed yet if expecting women are more vulnerable to Covid-19 risk. However, you should note that the body goes through many hormonal changes during pregnancy. Thus, expecting mothers have a reduced immunity against regular illnesses like common flu.

Therefore, you should anyways maintain better hygiene during pregnancy and avoid exposure to people who are sick and to other possibilities of infection. Avoid going to a crowded place, wash your hands with soap and water regularly. In the meanwhile, stay in touch with your doctor on phone or WhatsApp call.

Q5. I am Expecting, if I get infected with Coronavirus, will it Affect My Baby too?

Answer: So far, out of 10+ cases of childbirths where mother was a coronavirus patient, none have been found to have passed the infection to the baby before birth. However, more than 7 of these babies were found coronavirus positive with a high possibility of transmission due to after birth contact with mother.

Additionally, the mother’s breastmilk was found to be unaffected by the virus.

Q6. Can I use My Private Vehicle to Move Around in Lockdown situation?

Answer: Coronavirus infection has been found to be highly contagious, and the more longer you spend outside the more you are putting yourself and others at risk of infection. Therefore, you must refrain from venturing out without genuine emergency cause. Many cities have even asked general physicians to talk to the patients on phone and only call very difficult cases at the clinic.

In case your city or town is facing a curfew, your vehicle may be impounded by the police and you may have to undergo a hefty fine and even jail term. In case of emergency, you can call an ambulance. If you experience or see symptoms of Coronavirus (fever, cough, etc.) contact the Covid-19 helpline numbers.

What is Lockdown?

Lockdown is a temporary and emergency measure. All non-essential private organisations and public transport systems are closed during the lockdown. Citizens must remain in their houses, and only venture out if they have a genuine emergency need, like healthcare and medicines.

During current lock-down, you need to follow a few extra measures to stay safe. Remember that:

1. This lockdown has been imposed to arrest the growth of a highly contagious viral disease

2. The disease has been fatal for a large and the most vulnerable section of the society

3. There is no definite cure for the disease

4. It is possible to contact the virus via touch

Thus, make sure to avoid crowded space, maintain social distance and stay updated on preventive measures. Read: Coronavirus (COVID-19) Infection, Precautions & Test Centers for Families & Child

Which Services Are Available to Common Public Under Lockdown?

Following services will continue to operate during the lockdown period:

• Medical Stores

• Milk, Vegetable and Grocery Stores

• Private & Govt. Hospitals

• Telephone and Internet Services

• Petrol Pumps

• Goods& Transport Services

• LPG Agencies

• Post-Office & Courier Services

• E-commerce Services

• Media Houses

• Ambulance and Other Emergency response services

Thus, do not panic or hoard essential items and food, as it may cause an unnecessary shortage and price hikes, leading the neediest of the society to suffer. Essential commodities for the survival will be available including the services.