It’s unfortunate that we are far from over the COVID-19 pandemic, very much so from its repercussions as well.
The pandemic put a lot of our life events on pause. From weddings to work and school days, to routine meet-ups and doctor’s appointments—portions of our lives met an immediate halt!
What came to light recently, is a rather disconcerting finding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in regards to our children.
Our shift indoors caused not just a drastic decline in physical activity. On the other hand, the virus also ingrained within us a fear for the outdoors. More specifically, we began avoiding COVID-19 hotspots, especially hospitals.
Resultantly, we delay important medical check-ups, including the mandatory childhood immunisation shots vital in shielding children from highly contagious diseases.
While the United States have been reporting a drastic decline in pediatric immunisation, this was a concern no stranger to Malaysian health experts as well!
Just one month into the country’s first lockdown, public hospitals were filled to the brim with COVID-19 cases while private hospitals were equated to ghost towns.
With lesser hospital visits and missing appointments, there was a fear for a decline in childhood immunisations. It wasn’t long until, experts began reminding parents to proceed with their baby’s immunisation appointments regardless of the pandemic, echoing the same sentiments as the CDC.
The fact was, parents were too afraid to attend their routine appointments for fear of catching the virus.
On one hand, it paved a way for private hospitals to aid COVID-19 cases. But on the other, the situation also sheds light on yet another concern: we shouldn’t miss out on medical appointments!
Especially when it leaves us more vulnerable.
Childhood Vaccine Shots Boost Children’s Immunity
Children are the most vulnerable group towards respiratory pathogens. And it’s why they have a list of vaccine shots in the first 18 months of birth.
With delayed appointments and postponed immunisation shots, these children become vulnerable to highly dangerous diseases like measles, diphtheria, pertussis, and others. The most important fact about them is that they are vaccine-preventable!
More importantly, the immunisation shots provide your child additional immunity to fight against symptoms of the Coronavirus. This is known as ‘cross-immunity,’ which many experts believe helps in fighting severe COVID-19 symptoms.
Here is another review study suggesting the routine pediatric immunisations our children receive in their early years boost their innate immune response.
To put it simply, cross-immunity happens when a vaccine triggers an immune response towards pathogens it wasn’t meant to target. So when you equip your babies with their list of other vaccines, you are essentially boosting their overall immunity system to better withstand illnesses and the Coronavirus as well.
The current fact is, children already receiving their immunisation shots display far milder symptoms than those who did not.
Putting off your baby’s next vaccine appointment, therefore, may quite possibly do more harm than good. So you might want to schedule in that appointment now!
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner.
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