How can mothers vaccinate their children in COVID-19 scenario?

The sudden lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic has affected everyone and everything around us, this includes a rise in delayed vaccination cases across the country.

Vaccination is a must to build every child's immunity & health. Parents are worried that delayed vaccination may lead to children being vulnerable to various diseases. The current pandemic is such that visiting the clinic for vaccination is not easy as before. Having said that, getting the right information on the primary vaccination is important for mothers like me. 

Delayed vaccination due to lockdown

Vaccination is extremely important for a child's health and wellbeing. As a Child's immunity continues to develop, they are more prone to infections and diseases than adults. Vaccines improve immunity and protect children from diseases. Delaying vaccination of a child without consulting the doctor may result in health consequences.

The lockdown is bound to impact the vaccination schedules of your child. According to the government guidelines, it is highly recommended to stay at home during the lockdown to prevent the spread of Coronavirus infection. If the date of vaccinating your child falls during the lockdown period, you should talk to your pediatrician who can recommend the best course of action. He can set up support to ensure the vaccination takes place at your home. Your doctor can guide you about delayed immunization as per your child's vaccination schedule. You can discuss the permissible waiting period for a vaccination. 

While trying to figure out how to go about this, I came across Vaxline . Get all the information on delayed vaccination on Vaxline or you can call their helpline number and speak to Sanofi experts to resolve your queries. It gave answers to several of my doubts and queries I had about my child's vaccination. It was helpful to read the detailed to-dos on delayed vaccination during this pandemic. I am definitely much better prepared now to do the right thing.  

WHO guidelines on delayed vaccinations

WHO has announced a set of guidelines for interrupted or delayed vaccinations , in case your child is not getting vaccinated on the scheduled date. Your pediatrician will consider the WHO guidelines and find a way to vaccinate your child on a later date. This is also called 'Catchup Vaccination'.  

Delayed vaccination is manageable. We need to trust our doctors during these challenging times. My suggestion to all parents is that they stay informed about delayed vaccinations and the associated risks by talking to their pediatrician.

Precautions while going to the clinic

Children are more vulnerable to contract infections as their immune system is not completely developed. While it's not recommended to step out during the lockdown, if you absolutely must go to the hospital or clinic with your child, you should take the following precautions: 

• Please take a prior appointment with the doctor.

• Plan a 'get in-get vaccination-get out' visit. Avoid standing in a crowded place, wait for the crowd to clear, so that you can just go in and get your child vaccinated and then leave soon after. 

• Make sure that both you and your baby are taking all precautions. Maintain hygiene. Wear a mask, keep a sanitizer handy and avoid touching too many surfaces such as tabletops, knobs etc. Make sure that you and your baby do not touch your nose, eyes, and mouth.

• Maintain a minimum of 3 feet distance from other people.

• Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water.

• Change clothes and wash them thoroughly with a detergent.

The entire world is going through challenging times. We have a choice here, either we stress out or prepare yourself with the right information. I choose the former one. If you want to get the right information about delayed vaccination, Visit Vaxline or you can call anytime on the Vaxline helpline number: 18001235011. 

Disclaimer: The views expressed in the blog content are independent and unbiased views solely of the blogger. This is a part of a public awareness initiative supported by Sanofi Pasteur India. Sanofi Pasteur bears no responsibility for the content of the blog. One should consult their healthcare provider for any health-related information. This article is meant to help create awareness and spread knowledge. Any decision regarding your health and child's health should be done after consultation with your doctor. While all efforts are made to keep articles updated, the speed of research in these fields means the information often may change when more research knowledge is available. Slim expectations or the authors should be in no way held responsible in that case.