About COVID and your child: here’s why vaccination is important in the first 1000 days of life

The fear of COVID-19 has caused many children not to receive scheduled vaccines. To help address this problem, innovative solutions such as in-car vaccinations and home visits have been seen in recent months. Similarly, there are vaccination schedules to catch up, but still, it’s best to follow the schedule recommended by your pediatrician. The missed vaccines represent an imminent outbreak of vaccine-preventable diseases like measles, amid an ongoing pandemic.

Through immunization, vaccines help build a child’s natural defenses to fight vaccine-preventable diseases (VPD). Immunization is best done before a child is exposed to viruses and bacteria covered by vaccines. Most of these vaccinations would occur during the first 1000 days of your child’s life. This healthy start paves the way to reduce the risks of contracting and spreading outbreaks and diseases to the immediate family and also to the community. In 2019 alone, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported that immunization prevents 2 to 3 million deaths per year, and that this number may rise to 1.5 million more if routine immunization continues to be prioritized. Worldwide.

Risks of Vaccine Vaccination

In reality, there are parents who are more proactive than others in completing the vaccination of their children. The hesitation of some parents may come from a place of refusal of vaccination despite its availability. This situation is called vaccinations. Delays may be due to a question of acceptance to participate in the practice, or loss of confidence in vaccination in general. According to UNICEF, there was a decrease in childhood immunization coverage last year, and this coverage is projected to decline further due to the disruption of routine immunization activities caused by COVID-19. This is estimated to affect at least 2 million children under the age of two. Immunization, or lack of it, is not entirely up to the parents. If information on vaccination and health services are not prioritized, even at times like this, more children will be at risk of contracting communicable diseases, their quality of life will be compromised, as well as their future.

Address immunization issues

Dr. Joselyn A. Eusebio, President of the Philippine Pediatric Society (PPS), says there is hope despite these obstacles to strengthen children’s immunity through vaccination. The first is for information campaigns on the safety and efficacy of vaccination. At the same time, these outreach initiatives should correct any misconceptions about vaccination. Here are essential truths about vaccinating babies, yes, even when the pandemic is in general:

1. Hospitals and doctors’ clinics have ensured that safety protocols are in place for well-child check-ups.

Pediatrician visits for vaccinations are safe, thanks to guidelines created by the Pediatric Society of the Philippines / Society for Pediatric Infectious Diseases of the Philippines. With the pandemic in mind, these guidelines contain how to conduct vaccinations and outpatient visits safely and efficiently for the peace of mind of parents and the protection of children. Although security measures are being implemented, it is recommended to consult your pediatrician before visits, preferably via telehealth. Make sure to inform the doctor about the health status of your child, your family and your community for responsible consultations.

2. The vaccines have passed safety studies. Completing immunizations is a milestone for your child.

Vaccination provides immunity against vaccine-preventable diseases. Vaccines allow the production of the necessary antibodies to fight natural diseases. When a child is exposed to a vaccine-preventable disease, the body can provide the protection it needs. The first 1,000 days of a baby’s life are essential to receive immunization on time. Some of the recommended vaccines that should not be missed during this period are: Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG), Hepatitis B, Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, Polio, Haemophilus influenzae type B (DTaP-IPV-Hib), Rotavirus, Mumps , Measles and rubella (MMR), influenza, Japanese encephalitis, hepatitis A and chickenpox. For the complete childhood immunization schedule, click here. In the event that a child does not receive a vaccine, they are left vulnerable to a disease that could be fatal. For example, a baby who did not receive an MMR vaccine could get measles and develop complications from pneumonia, with a future risk of subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE).

3. It is never too late to catch up on vaccinations.

If for any reason a child does not meet a vaccination schedule, recovery sessions are possible. At a time as uncertain as now, the World Health Organization (WHO) predicts that there may be a greater number of vaccine-preventable diseases due to delayed or suspended routine immunization. As a parent, you can help protect your baby during the pandemic and help ensure the health of your baby. Initiate regular updates with your pediatrician or healthcare provider about the vaccination schedule. Follow health and safety protocols when scheduling appointments or during visits to health centers. As the world waits for a COVID-19 vaccine, you can make the decision to protect your baby and strengthen your immunity today.