As soon as parents heard the word optional, they started to think, this might not be necessary for my child. Optional means it is up to them whether they should choose or not for their child. But if these are really not necessary, then why would doctors suggest parents get their child vaccinated? However, it is completely the parents’ choice, but vaccination is a key to protect child from harmful infections and diseases.
Don’t worry, this article will let you know about the optional vaccine for babies in India and help you decide whether this is necessary or not.
Let’s break it down clearly.
What Are Optional Vaccines?
The government immunization schedule defines a list of vaccines which are mandatory fr every child in India, and this is also backed by the Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP). The word optional relate to not compulsory, but that does not mean that, without these vaccines, your child is fully protected from several harmful diseases and infections. Some children are so vulnerable that even pneumonia can cause life-threatening challenges.
List of Optional Vaccines
These vaccines do not come under the Universal Immunization Programme by the government, and these are not free of cost. Due to factors like cost, regional disease prevalence, and logistical constraints, these are considered under the category of optional vaccines.
- Pneumococcal vaccine (PCV)
It provides protection from blood, ear infection, meningitis, and pneumonia. These are generally given to babies under 2 years. If parents feel that this is not ideal for their child, then remember, every year, 14% to 25% of children up to 5 die because of this, and every 14 children per hour suffer pneumonia.
So, are still thinking that this is just an optional vaccine. - Influenza (Flu) Vaccine
This is considered as optionla vaccines because seasonal flu is self-limiting in healthy children, and even govenrment has not considered it under the universal immunization program. But even if your child is healthy, it is crucial to get your child vaccinated as it protects from worsening of asthma, and many more. And families with a history of severe flu should make sure not to avoid this for their child. - Hepatitis A
The Hepatitis A vaccine is also an optional vaccine, as many people in India are naturally exposed to the virus during childhood and may have developed natural immunity. This is the reason why it has not been traditionally included in the immunization program. Although it is an optional vaccine, it is a very important vaccine, as due to the improvement in sanitation in urban areas, children are now being exposed to the virus at a later age in life when the disease is more severe. Hepatitis A virus is the virus that causes liver disease and may lead to acute liver failure. - Varicella (Chickenpox)
The varicella vaccine is optional because chickenpox is regarded as a mild childhood disease with low mortality rates among healthy children. Therefore, it has not been a major concern in public health programs. Chickenpox is a major concern as it can sometimes result in complications such as bacterial skin infections, pneumonia, encephalitis, and scarring. Severe cases are more likely to occur among infants, adolescents, adults, and immunocompromised individuals. The vaccine not only protects against the severity of the disease but also prevents outbreaks in schools and daycare institutions. - Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine
Typhoid is a major concern in many parts of India because of contaminated food and water.
The typhoid conjugate vaccine is optional because the control of typhoid is also associated with sanitation, clean water, and personal and food hygiene. The major concern of public health programs is to improve these environmental factors along with vaccination. The vaccine is a highly effective tool that protects against the severity of the disease and is especially important for children in high-risk and densely populated areas. - Meningococcal vaccine
This vaccine is an optional vaccine because the prevalence of meningococcal disease is not very high compared to other childhood diseases. However, this vaccine is very important because meningococcal disease has the potential to become a life-threatening disease within a short span of time. Meningococcal disease can lead to meningitis and septicemia with high mortality rates and complications such as deafness, brain damage, or loss of limbs.
Are They Safe and Necessary?
The purpose of optional vaccines is provide additional protection to children. And it is important to understand that the vaccines also undergo the same rigorous approval process. Just like other vaccines, these also cause some minor side effects like fever, laziness, or pain around the injected site. A child’s immune system is capable of handling multiple vaccines at once.
When it comes to necessity, yes, these vaccines are as necessary as others, because they are just like an additional security for children.
Conclusion
The word optional vaccines is derived because these are not considered under govenrmenr funded vaccines, and because of this, parents do not consider them as appropriate. However, optional does not mean unnecessary. These are as safe as others and also necessary.
Cradle Children Hospital, Jaipur one of the best children’s hospital help parents understand every detail about vaccinations, how they can keep their babies safe, and what is normal and not normal after the vaccine.
So, if you are confused, then contact Cradle Children’s Hospital today and book your consultation.
FAQ’s
If These Vaccines Are Optional, Are They Necessary?
Yes, most of the vaccines are, as these ensure to protect your babies against diseases that are known for serious complications. Although they are not funded by the government, that is why parents consider them as less important, but these are not.
Are They Safe For My Child?
Yes, these are completely safe. After multiple checks and tests, the vaccines have been passed to the hospital. Although mild side effects are common because the body is not used to such germs, vaccines mimic the function of the diseases.
Can I skip the optional vaccines for my child?
Even doctors suggest not skipping, because it increases the risk of getting a disease. And if your child’s system is already weak, then skipping makes them more vulnerable.
Even though my child is already healthy, do I still need these vaccines for my child?
Yes, even a healthy child can develop complications, and this can also cause long-term health issues. So, do not avoid any vaccines that are mentioned by the pediatrician.
Are these vaccines given along with the routine ones?
Yes. But make sure to talk to pediatricians before taking your child for vaccination. Cradle Children Hospital makes sure that the parents get clarity related to every vaccine.
