8.3.5. Immunisation

Good health and well-being are not entirely dependent on good nutrition. We all are aware of the role of immunisation in protecting children from various diseases.

Immunisation is a vital aspect of maintaining children's health as it goes beyond just nutrition. While proper nutrition helps in developing strong bodies and minds, immunisation protects children from serious infectious diseases that can harm their health or even lead to death. It prepares the child's immune system by using vaccines to build defenses against certain diseases.

Think of immunisation like a protective shield that a warrior carries into battle. Just as the shield keeps the warrior safe from arrows and swords, vaccines help keep children safe from diseases by teaching their bodies how to fight off illness.

You may be interested in knowing how immunisation protects children from diseases. A vaccine that contains an inactive form of a bacterium/virus/toxin made by the germ is injected in the child. Being inactive it does not cause infections but induces white blood cells to produce antibodies. These antibodies then kill the germs when they attack the child’s system.

Vaccines contain either weakened or inactive forms of viruses or bacteria that cause diseases. When these vaccines are injected into a child, the immune system recognizes them as threats and produces antibodies. These antibodies remain in the body and remember how to fight off those specific germs in the future. So, if the child is exposed to the actual disease later, their body can quickly respond and prevent illness.

Imagine your immune system as a team of firefighters. When you get vaccinated, it's like giving them training drills about what to do when a fire breaks out. They learn how to quickly respond when they encounter the real thing, making them much more efficient at keeping everyone safe.

Table 3: National Immunisation Schedule (Recommended by ICMR)

Age of the child Vaccine

• Birth BCG, OPV, HEP B
• 6 weeks OPV, PENTA (DPT, HEP B, HiB)
• 10 weeks OPV, PENTA (DPT, HEP B, HiB)
• 14 weeks OPV, PENTA (DPT, HEP B, HiB)
• 9 months MR (Measles, Rubella)

The National Immunisation Schedule highlights the timing and types of vaccines recommended for children at various ages. Starting from birth, children receive several vaccinations to protect them from serious diseases like tuberculosis, polio, and hepatitis B. These vaccines are administered in a sequence that builds upon their protection as they grow older.

Think of this schedule as a roadmap for a journey. Just like a map shows you the best routes to take and when to make turns, the immunisation schedule guides parents on when to get vaccines to ensure their children are protected as they grow.

We have learnt that malnutrition is a national problem. It is a consequence of several factors such as illiteracy, poverty, ignorance about nutritional needs of children, and poor access to health care, especially in rural and tribal areas.

Malnutrition and infections often go hand-in-hand, compounding health risks for children. Factors like poverty and lack of education lead to poor dietary choices and inadequate health care, making children more susceptible to diseases. When children are malnourished, they are less able to fight infections, which can lead to serious health issues.

Consider a plant that is not getting enough water and sunlight. Just like the plant weakens and becomes susceptible to pests, children who are malnourished are more likely to fall ill due to their weakened immune systems.

Immunisation given at different stages of the first year of life gives life-long immunity to children against communicable diseases.

Vaccinations provide long-lasting immunity, protecting children against major infectious diseases. For example, vaccines for polio and measles not only prevent immediate illness but can also prevent the potential complications associated with these diseases throughout their lives. This is crucial, especially in areas where access to health care might be limited.

Think of vaccines as installing security systems on your home. Once installed, the security system continuously protects your home from break-ins, giving you peace of mind long into the future.

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