Should The Child Be Vaccinated?

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Nowadays, there is a tendency that parents to reject vaccinating their children and constantly ask should my child be vaccinated? As a result, in kindergartens and schools, the correlation between vaccinated and unvaccinated children is 50 – 50.

Of course, many doctors condemn parents for their refusal to vaccinate children. They believe that vaccination has no risk for the child’s health. Usually, the only parents’ argument is the damage that vaccination can cause to the immune system of their child. They say that it only infects the body but doesn’t provide 100% protection against diseases. And parents have the legal right not to vaccinate their child.

Simultaneously, the child who has not received any vaccinations must take a short-term stay (for children under 3 years old) in kindergarten and at school.

Only parents are responsible for their child’s health, and only they make decisions regarding the vaccination for the child.

The question of baby immunization is increasingly becoming a stumbling block in children’s educational establishments. The matter is that there are no official regulations to distinguish “vaccinated” and “unvaccinated” children.

For example, the child is vaccinated against poliomyelitis. Earlier, unvaccinated children were temporarily excluded from the group. Nowadays, the number of vaccinated and unvaccinated children becomes approximately equal. And nobody wants their child to be excluded from the group because of other children. And as a result, only the administration of the establishment decides.

Children should be vaccinated against dangerous diseases, but it must be done “right.” How exactly?

MYTHS ABOUT VACCINES

1. “VACCINATION BREAKS DOWN THE IMMUNE SYSTEM”

The immune system works intensively during 3-4 days after vaccination. That’s why, if the child has been vaccinated against measles and got ARVI the next day, probably it’s a virus that the child got before vaccination (for example, a hospital where they got vaccinated).

The best preparation for vaccination is to boost your immune system in the natural way (proper nutrition, daily regime) to get vaccinated on time and without consequences.

2. “IT’S BETTER NOT TO VACCINATE CHILDREN WHO GET ILL VERY OFTEN”

If the child gets ill too often, it means their immune system is weak. The vaccine has a weaker form. So, even such children can cope with it. But if the child gets this or that disease, it’ll cause more troubles with a weakened system. That’s why weak children need better preparation for vaccination, unlike healthy children, but not refusing it. It can make the child’s body even more vulnerable.

3. “GET THE CHILD VACCINATED ONLY AFTER AN IMMUNOGRAM.”

Immunogram is an analysis that is done only if there is a suspicion of a serious immunodeficiency state. You define it if the child suffers, for example, from persistent pustular infections, recurrent fungal diseases, or recurrent pneumonia.

WHEN IS IT NOT ALLOWED TO GET YOUR CHILD VACCINATED?

Permanent contraindications

severe reactions on a particular vaccine or post-vaccination complications;
allergic reactions;
progressive diseases of the nervous system;
oncological diseases;
an immunodeficiency state;

Temporarily contraindications

any acute illness;
exacerbation of any chronic disease;
a recent surgery;
blood transfusion.

PREPARATION FOR CHILD VACCINATION

You don’t need to prepare a healthy child for vaccination. Only children with chronic diseases should have some special preparatory procedures (for example, taking a particular medicine).

Allergic children should take antihistamines during a week before and after vaccination. Children with diseases of the genitourinary tract should take uroseptics.

WHAT ARE CHILDREN VACCINATED AGAINST?

It’s a pity, but nowadays, children can get all these infections as well. And the refusal of vaccinations leads to epidemics. These epidemics break out from time to time in different countries but, thank God, we can cope with them:

against tuberculosis: the live vaccine against tuberculosis is called BCG. Children get it in maternity hospitals. They get revaccinated at the age of 7. Of course, this vaccination cannot fully protect from getting tuberculosis, but at least prevents the development of its severe forms.
against measles, rubella, and mumps: as a rule, vaccination is done at the age of 1, revaccination every 6 years.

against whooping cough, diphtheria, and tetanus: these diseases can lead to fatal results. That’s why a triple vaccination is done (DTP).
against pneumococcal infection: pneumococci are microbes that cause pneumonia, otitis media, bronchitis, and even meningitis. They are very dangerous for children under 2 years old and for those who can easily get ill (under 5 years old).
against hepatitis A: it’s a very dangerous infection. It breaks out in kindergartens very often and regularly.
against chickenpox: this disease can cause serious complications like pneumonia, a bacterial infection of the elements of the rash. They can even lead to death.

AT WHAT AGE SHOULD YOUR CHILD BE VACCINATED?

Vaccines for children are mainly administered during the first year of life. Vaccination is rarely done from 2 to 6 years. Though there are some exceptions. For example, children get vaccinated against pneumococcal infection at the age of 2 in Moscow; if they attend kindergarten, they are also vaccinated against hepatitis A.

Preschoolers are revaccinated against measles, rubella, and mumps at the age of 6. Seven-year-old children get vaccinated against tuberculosis, diphtheria, and tetanus at school.

WHAT TO DO AFTER VACCINATION?

Monitor the child for any complications or post-vaccination reactions: allergies,
high temperature, edema, local pain, convulsions. Although these symptoms are rare, they can become severe and require immediate medical help.

It often happens that the temperature rises to 38-39 C degrees during the first three days after vaccination. Antipyretic medicine will help such as suppositories, drugs, or syrups, but don’t use aspirin!

If it’s a live vaccine, the development of “disease in miniature ” (rash, swelling, etc.) can happen in 7-14 days.

Do you get the idea about your child’s vaccination? Check out our other related articles.

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Tips to Create Perfect Conditions for Child’s Development
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Don’t forget to check out Cute Rascals for your baby boy T-shirts & bibs.

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Liliana

Liliana is a Licensed Montessori teacher known for her passion and dedication to education. She's been a teacher in the United States for many years, and she truly believes that education is the key to making the world a better place because today's students are tomorrow's leaders. Her experience with Toddlers, Beginners, VPK with Montessori methodology approach; Kindergarten, and first grade made her an authority and trusted resource. Liliana's family taught her important qualities like love, a positive attitude, strong motivation, and leadership. These values have guided her on her journey to becoming a professional and expert teacher. Her mission is to help children grow and contribute to a brighter future for the country.