New Delhi: Vaccination is a cornerstone of public health, playing a crucial role in safeguarding children from a myriad of potentially life-threatening diseases worldwide. Beginning shortly after birth and continuing through adolescence, childhood vaccination programs target diseases such as measles, polio, diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), tetanus, rotavirus, and pneumococcal infections. Each vaccine is designed to mimic the infectious agent using weakened or killed versions of the microorganism or its toxins, allowing the immune system to recognise and combat these pathogens effectively.
Why are vaccines necessary fo children?
In an interaction with News9Live, Dr. Shrey Srivastava, General Physician at Sharda Hospital, explained how vaccines affect children in a long run and why they are essential at a young age.
“The impact of vaccines on childhood diseases has been profound. Diseases like smallpox, once a global scourge causing widespread outbreaks and high mortality rates, have been completely eradicated through vaccination efforts. Polio, another historically debilitating disease, is nearing global eradication, with only a few remaining endemic countries. Measles, highly contagious and previously a major cause of childhood mortality, has significantly declined in regions with high vaccination coverage,” said Dr Srivastava.
One of the significant benefits of vaccination is its contribution to herd immunity. When a large percentage of a population is vaccinated against a disease, it creates a protective barrier that reduces the likelihood of the disease spreading among those who are not vaccinated or cannot be vaccinated due to medical reasons. This concept is critical in protecting vulnerable individuals such as newborns, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems.
What are the risks posed by vaccines?
“Despite these successes, vaccination programs encounter challenges. Vaccine hesitancy, fueled by misinformation or concerns about vaccine safety, can lead to lower vaccination rates. This reluctance poses a significant threat to public health, as even slight declines in vaccination coverage can result in outbreaks of preventable diseases. Addressing vaccine hesitancy requires transparent communication, education about vaccine benefits and safety, and building trust between healthcare providers and communities,” said Dr Srivastava.
Furthermore, ensuring equitable access to vaccines remains crucial. Disparities in vaccination coverage exist within and between countries, affecting marginalized populations who may face barriers such as lack of access to healthcare services or misinformation. Strengthening health systems, improving vaccine supply chains, and implementing targeted outreach efforts are essential steps toward achieving universal immunisation coverage and reducing health inequities.
Conclusion
In conclusion, vaccination plays a pivotal role in preventing childhood diseases by providing direct protection to vaccinated individuals and creating herd immunity that extends protection to entire communities. Through effective immunisation programs, many once-devastating childhood illnesses have been controlled or eliminated, leading to improved child health outcomes globally. Continued commitment to vaccination efforts, alongside efforts to address vaccine hesitancy and ensure equitable access, is crucial in realizing the full potential of vaccines to safeguard the health and well-being of children worldwide.
One of the significant benefits of vaccination is its contribution to herd immunity. When a large percentage of a population is vaccinated against a disease, it creates a protective barrier that reduces the likelihood of the disease spreading among those who are not vaccinated or cannot be vaccinated due to medical reasons. Medicine Health News: Latest News from Health Care, Mental Health, Weight Loss, Disease, Nutrition, Healthcare
