IMMUNISATION is important to protect an individual from diseases.
The most common method of increasing immunisation is through vaccination, as it is the easiest, safest and most effective way to prevent diseases, especially among children.
Vaccinating children is very important because it protects them and reduces the risk of contracting serious or fatal diseases.
When children are vaccinated, their immune system will form antibodies to protect them from a disease, says Sunway Medical Centre consultant paediatrician and neonatologist Dr Lee Mei Ling.
These antibodies help the body to recognise certain germs so that it can fight the disease in the future.
"Vaccination is the most effective, safe and wise way to produce an immune response in the body without causing any illness," explains Dr Lee.
There are 12 preventable diseases listed under the National Immunisation Programme (NIP).
Vaccines in the NIP Immunisation Schedule are provided free of charge at all government clinics and hospitals.
STICK TO THE SCHEDULE
Dr Lee says apart from the Japanese encephalitis vaccine, which is only compulsory in Sarawak, every child must receive vaccines according to the schedule unless there's any underlying illness or medical condition which requires further discussion with a doctor.
However, not all vaccines confer lifelong immunity. For example, vaccines for measles and hepatitis B will give immunity for life, and tetanus or influenza shots will last many years but require regular boosters to ensure continued protection. Therefore, parents need to keep records of their children's vaccinations to ensure they are given injections or boosters when necessary.
Vaccines can cause side effects, such as fever, discomfort and pain at the injection site, but these are usually minimal.
"The risk of causing harm is low. If the child experiences a side effect or reaction to a vaccine that is detrimental to his health, then the additional dose will not be given."
If children are not vaccinated, they will be exposed to the risk of contracting preventable diseases.
Dr Lee says while vaccination has sparked some debate, there is no convincing evidence to show that it is detrimental to its recipients.
"There may be parents who question the effectiveness of vaccines, but they should understand that vaccines are important to protect children in the long term."
The benefits are far more than the side effects that may occur. Parents are also advised to listen to medical experts before making any decision, she adds.
Vaccination/Immunisation Failure
*Breakdown of the delivery system to provide potent vaccines to those in need.
*Failure to achieve an immune response in the recipient due to inadequacies of the vaccine/factors inherent in the child.
Missed Opportunity Vaccinations
Children who miss necessary vaccinations because parents do not check their child's vaccine status.