Repeating once again – vaccinate!

Every year, vaccines save the lives of over 2.5 million people and prevent 750,000 from suffering disabilities.

Immunity is the body’s way of preventing disease. The immune system recognises germs that enter the body (called antigens) and produces proteins called antibodies to fight them.

Most of the time, the immune system isn’t able to work fast enough to prevent the antigen from causing disease, so the child still gets sick.

Nevertheless, the immune system “remembers” that particular antigen, and if it reappears, the body will be ready to respond much faster the next time around to prevent any infections.

This protection is called immunity.

Vaccination, on the other hand, helps your child develop immunity without him/her getting sick in the process.

Why vaccines?

Routine childhood vaccinations protect your child from serious diseases like tuberculosis, hepatitis B, diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, influenza, measles, mumps and rubella.

Vaccination protects children from serious illness and complications of vaccine-preventable diseases, which, in some cases, can lead to brain damage, or even death.

Some vaccine-preventable diseases can also result in prolonged disability and can take a financial toll because of lost time at work, medical bills or long-term disability care.

What is the NIP?

NIP stands for “National Immunisation Programme”. It consists of a list of recommended routine vaccinations for children that must be taken without exception!

The vaccines are provided for free and are available at all public hospitals and selected clinics (klinik kesihatan).

Why so many vaccines?

The immune system is robust and is able to take on more than just a few weakened antigens.

In fact, the human body takes in far more antigens from the air, water and environment daily.

Are there any side effects?

Vaccines are manufactured to meet the most stringent and highest standards of safety.

However, a very small percentage of people may experience mild side effects. In extremely rare circumstances, more serious side effects can occur, like allergic reactions.

Nevertheless, we must remember that any medical intervention comes with some degree of risk.

But avoiding it altogether solely because you want to avoid risk is senseless because doing nothing is also associated with risks.

How the body develops immunity.

Will vaccines cause autism?

The association between autism and vaccination (particularly the MMR vaccine) is one of the biggest myths in medicine.

Researchers have time and time again debunked the link between the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine and autism.

The latest study, which referenced 67 high quality scientific articles, concluded that immunisation does not lead to autism.

And this has been confirmed by global health agencies such as the World Health Organization and the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Having your child immunised helps to protect them from many serious childhood infections, some of which may be life-threatening.

There’s no doubt that vaccines are the best option for both your child and the population at large.

Don’t wait, make the right decision and see your doctor to have your child immunised today.

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Datuk Dr Musa Mohd Nordin is a consultant paediatrician and neonatologist. This article is courtesy of the Malaysian Paediatric Association’s Positive Parenting programme in collaboration with expert partners. This article is supported by an educational grant from Sanofi Pasteur. For further information, email starhealth@thestar.com.my or visit http://ift.tt/1GFolNo. The information provided is for educational and communication purposes only and it should not be construed as personal medical advice. Information published in this article is not intended to replace, supplant or augment a consultation with a health professional regarding the reader’s own medical care. The Star disclaims all responsibility for any losses, damage to property or personal injury suffered directly or indirectly from reliance on such information.

Source : Star2.com