FAQs on Pediatrics or Baby care

Q- Are there any reasons to delay immunization?

Ans- There are very few medical reasons to delay immunization. If a child is sick with a high temperature (over 38ºC) then immunization should be postponed until the child is recovering. A child who has a runny nose, but is not ill can be immunized, as can a child who is on antibiotics and obviously recovering from an illness.

Q- What are the side-effects of immunization?

Ans- Many children experience minor side effects following immunization. 

Most side effects last a short time and the child recovers without any problems.

Common side-effects of immunization are redness, soreness and swelling at the site of an injection,

mild fever and being grizzly or unsettled. You should give extra fluids to drink, not overdress

the baby if hot and may consider using paracetamol to help ease the fever and soreness.

Serious reactions to immunization are very rare, however if they do occur consult your
Serious reactions to immunization are very rare, however if they do occur consult your
doctor immediately. It is important to remember that vaccines are many times safer than
the diseases they prevent.

Q- What about natural immunity?

Ans- Natural immunity and vaccine-induced immunity are both natural responses of the 

body’s immune system. The body’s immune response in both circumstances is the same.

In some cases, vaccine-induced immunity may diminish with time; natural immunity, acquired by 

catching the disease is usually life-long. The problem is that the wild or natural disease

has a high risk of serious illness and occasionally death. Children or adults can be re-immunized

(required with some vaccines but not all) if their immunity falls to a low level. It is important to

remember that vaccines are many times safer than the diseases they prevent.