Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

what is the difference between Govt Hospital Vaccination & Private Hospital Vaccinations?

The main differences between vaccinations at government hospitals and private hospitals are:

  • Cost: Vaccinations at government hospitals are usually Free, while private hospitals often charge higher fees.
  • Availability: Government hospitals may have a wider availability of vaccines as part of public health programs. Private hospitals often offer govt compulsory vaccines plus additional vaccines like INFUENZA VACCINE, TYPHOID VACCINE, VARICELLA (chicken Pox) VACCINES, HEPATITIS A VACCINES, MMR VACCINES and HPV VACCINES which are not available in government hospitals.
  • Access and Convenience: Private hospitals may offer more convenient scheduling and shorter wait times compared to government hospitals.
  • Quality of Service: The quality of service, including facilities and patient care, might differ, with private hospitals often providing more personalized care.

Both types of hospitals aim to provide safe and effective vaccinations.

Can we delay the Vaccinations?
Yes, vaccinations can be delayed, but it is generally not recommended unless there is a specific medical reason to do so. Immunization schedules are carefully designed to provide protection at the appropriate times to ensure the best possible immunity against diseases. Delaying vaccinations can increase the risk of contracting preventable diseases, especially in infants and young children who are more vulnerable.

What diseases do vaccine prevent?

Vaccines prevent a wide range of infectious diseases that can cause serious health complications. For instance, the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine protects against these three highly contagious viral diseases, which can lead to complications like pneumonia, encephalitis, and congenital disabilities. The diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTaP) vaccine shields against these bacterial infections, which can cause severe respiratory issues, muscle stiffness, and whooping cough, respectively.

The polio vaccine prevents poliomyelitis, a viral disease that can cause paralysis and even death. The hepatitis B vaccine guards against hepatitis B, a viral infection that affects the liver and can lead to chronic disease or liver cancer. The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine helps prevent cervical and other cancers caused by HPV.

The influenza vaccine reduces the risk of seasonal flu, which can cause severe respiratory illness and complications, particularly in young children, the elderly, and those with chronic health conditions. The pneumococcal vaccine protects against pneumococcal diseases, including pneumonia, meningitis, and bloodstream infections. The rotavirus vaccine prevents rotavirus infection, a leading cause of severe diarrhea in infants and young children.

The varicella vaccine prevents chickenpox, a highly contagious viral infection that can lead to severe skin infections, pneumonia, and encephalitis. The meningococcal vaccine protects against meningococcal disease, which can cause meningitis and bloodstream infections. Lastly, the COVID-19 vaccines protect against COVID-19, a novel coronavirus responsible for a global pandemic, reducing the severity of the disease and preventing hospitalization and death.

Overall, vaccines play a crucial role in preventing these and many other infectious diseases, safeguarding individual and public health.

What are the important vaccine for children that we should not miss?

  • Hepatitis B Vaccine: Protects against hepatitis B, which can cause liver disease and cancer.
  • DTaP Vaccine: Protects against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (whooping cough).
  • Hib Vaccine: Protects against Haemophilus influenzae type b, which can cause meningitis and pneumonia.
  • Polio Vaccine (IPV): Protects against poliomyelitis, which can cause paralysis.
  • MMR Vaccine: Protects against measles, mumps, and rubella.
  • Varicella Vaccine: Protects against chickenpox.
  • Pneumococcal Vaccine (PCV): Protects against pneumococcal diseases such as pneumonia, meningitis, and bloodstream infections.
  • Rotavirus Vaccine: Protects against rotavirus, which can cause severe diarrhea in infants and young children.
  • Hepatitis A Vaccine: Protects against hepatitis A, which can cause liver disease.
  • Influenza Vaccine: Protects against seasonal flu, which can cause severe respiratory illness.
  • HPV Vaccine: Protects against human papillomavirus, which can cause cervical and other cancers (recommended for older children).
  • Meningococcal Vaccine: Protects against meningococcal disease, which can cause meningitis and bloodstream infections (recommended for older children).
  • COVID-19 Vaccine: Protects against COVID-19, reducing the severity of the disease and preventing hospitalization and death (recommended based on age eligibility and health guidelines).

These vaccines are crucial for protecting children from serious and potentially life-threatening diseases. Following the recommended Immunization schedule ensures timely protection and contributes to overall public health.

If someone gets vaccinated for a disease, is it guaranteed that they won't catch it again?

Vaccination significantly reduces the risk of contracting a disease, but it does not guarantee complete immunity. Most vaccines are highly effective, meaning they protect the majority of people who receive them. However, no vaccine is 100% effective for everyone. Some individuals may still contract the disease after being vaccinated, but the symptoms are usually milder, and the risk of severe complications is greatly reduced.

The effectiveness of a vaccine can depend on various factors, including the individual's immune response, the type of vaccine, and the prevalence of the disease. Additionally, some vaccines require booster shots to maintain immunity over time.

Overall, while vaccination does not provide a guaranteed protection against diseases, it remains one of the most effective ways to prevent illness and control the spread of infectious diseases.

What is Pentavalent vaccine ?

The pentavalent vaccine is a combination vaccine that protects against five serious diseases in a single shot. These diseases are:

  • Diphtheria: A bacterial infection that can cause severe breathing problems, heart failure, and death.
  • Tetanus: A bacterial infection that causes painful muscle stiffness and lockjaw, potentially leading to death.
  • Pertussis (Whooping Cough): A highly contagious respiratory disease that can cause severe coughing spells and breathing difficulties, particularly dangerous for infants.
  • Hepatitis B: A viral infection that affects the liver and can lead to chronic disease, liver cirrhosis, or liver cancer.
  • Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib): A bacterial infection that can cause meningitis, pneumonia, and other serious infections, especially in young children.

The pentavalent vaccine is given to infants and young children as part of the routine immunization schedule. It helps reduce the number of injections a child needs, simplifying the Immunization process and improving compliance with immunization schedules.

Is it compulsory to take vaccine?

Vaccination is not universally compulsory, but it is highly recommended and often required in certain situations to protect individual and public health. Here are some key points:

  • Public Health Recommendations: Health authorities strongly recommend vaccines to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. Following vaccination schedules helps protect individuals and communities from outbreaks.
  • School and Daycare Requirements: Many schools and daycare centers require up-to-date vaccination records for enrollment. This helps prevent the spread of contagious diseases among children.
  • Employment Requirements: Certain jobs, especially in healthcare and childcare, may require vaccinations to protect vulnerable populations from infections.
  • Travel Requirements: Some countries require proof of vaccination for entry, particularly for diseases like yellow fever. This helps prevent the import and spread of infectious diseases.
  • Herd Immunity: Widespread Immunization contributes to herd immunity, protecting those who cannot be vaccinated due to medical conditions. High vaccination rates reduce the spread of diseases, protecting the entire community.

While it may not be legally compulsory for everyone to get vaccinated, the benefits of vaccination are significant for both individuals and society. Consulting healthcare providers for personalized advice on vaccinations is important.

What are the main Vaccinations Offered in Private Hospitals Beyond Government Facilities?

Private hospitals often offer additional vaccinations that may not be routinely provided in government facilities. Some of these vaccines include:

  • HPV Vaccine (Human Papillomavirus): Protects against human papillomavirus, which can cause cervical and other cancers. Often recommended for adolescents and young adults.
  • Varicella (Chickenpox) Vaccine: Protects against chickenpox, which can cause severe skin infections, pneumonia, and encephalitis.
  • Meningococcal Vaccine: Protects against meningococcal disease, which can cause meningitis and bloodstream infections. Often recommended for adolescents and young adults, especially those living in close quarters like college dormitories.
  • Hepatitis A Vaccine: Protects against hepatitis A, a viral liver disease. This vaccine is particularly recommended for travelers to certain countries.
  • Travel Vaccines: Vaccines such as yellow fever, typhoid, and Japanese encephalitis, which are recommended or required for travel to specific regions.
  • Rabies Vaccine: Protects against rabies, a fatal viral infection. This vaccine is often recommended for people at higher risk, such as veterinarians and travelers to areas with high rabies incidence.
  • Shingles (Herpes Zoster) Vaccine: Protects against shingles, a painful rash caused by the reactivation of the chickenpox virus in older adults.
  • Influenza Vaccine (High-Dose): Special formulations of the flu vaccine, such as high-dose or adjuvanted versions, may be available for older adults or those with weakened immune systems.
  • Pneumococcal Vaccines (Different Strains): Additional pneumococcal vaccines that cover more strains than those typically offered in government programs.
  • Rotavirus Vaccine: Protects against rotavirus, a leading cause of severe diarrhea in infants and young children, available as part of comprehensive pediatric care.

Private hospitals often provide these additional vaccines to meet specific health needs, travel requirements, or personal preferences. Consulting with healthcare providers can help determine which additional vaccines may be beneficial.

How long can I delay a baby vaccination?

Delaying a baby's vaccination can depend on several factors, including the specific vaccine, the health of the child, and recommendations from healthcare providers. Here are some general points to consider:

Vaccination Schedule

The recommended vaccination schedule is designed to provide immunity at the most effective times. Delaying vaccinations can leave your baby vulnerable to preventable diseases during a critical period.

Catch-up Schedule

If a vaccination is delayed, there are catch-up schedules provided by health authorities like the CDC or WHO. These schedules help ensure that children receive their vaccinations as soon as possible to catch up with the recommended immunization timeline.

Health and Risk Factors

Sometimes, vaccinations may be delayed for medical reasons, such as if the child is ill or has specific health conditions. In such cases, healthcare providers will offer guidance on the best timing.

Consult Healthcare Providers

It's essential to discuss any concerns or reasons for delaying vaccinations with your child's pediatrician. They can provide personalized advice based on your child's health needs and circumstances.

Legal and School Requirements

Some regions have legal requirements for vaccinations, especially for school entry. Delaying vaccinations might impact your child's ability to attend school or daycare.

In general, it's advisable to follow the recommended Immunization schedule as closely as possible to ensure your child is protected against serious diseases. If you need to delay a vaccination, work closely with your healthcare provider to determine the best course of action and to plan a catch-up schedule.

What happens if you miss a baby vaccine?

Missing a baby vaccine can have several implications for the child's health and overall well-being. Here are some key points to consider:

Increased Risk of Disease

Vaccines are designed to protect against serious and potentially life-threatening diseases. Missing a vaccine can leave your child vulnerable to these illnesses, which can be more severe in young children.

Catch-Up Vaccination

If a vaccine is missed, healthcare providers typically use a catch-up vaccination schedule to ensure your child receives the necessary immunizations. This schedule helps to get back on track with the recommended timeline as soon as possible.

Potential for Outbreaks

High vaccination rates in the community help to prevent outbreaks of contagious diseases. Missing vaccines can reduce herd immunity, increasing the risk of disease spread, especially to those who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons.

Consult Healthcare Providers

If a vaccine dose is missed, it's important to consult with your child's pediatrician. They can provide guidance on the next steps and help ensure your child gets back on schedule.

Legal and Educational Impact

In some regions, vaccinations are required for school or daycare entry. Missing vaccines could affect your child's ability to attend these institutions until the required immunizations are completed.

Overall, it's crucial to keep up with the recommended Immunization schedule to protect your child and the community from preventable diseases. If you miss a vaccine, work with your healthcare provider to determine the best course of action.

Which vaccination is best for baby?

Following the recommended vaccination schedule is crucial for protecting your baby from serious and potentially life-threatening diseases. Here are the essential vaccines typically recommended for infants:

Hepatitis B (HepB)

Protects against Hepatitis B, a serious liver infection. The first dose is usually given at birth.

Rotavirus (RV)

Protects against rotavirus, which can cause severe diarrhea and vomiting in infants and young children.

Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis (DTaP)

Protects against three serious diseases: diphtheria, tetanus (lockjaw), and pertussis (whooping cough).

Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)

Protects against Haemophilus influenzae type b, which can cause meningitis, pneumonia, and other serious infections.

Pneumococcal Conjugate (PCV13)

Protects against pneumococcal disease, which can cause pneumonia, meningitis, and bloodstream infections.

Polio (IPV)

Protects against poliovirus, which can cause paralysis and meningitis.

Influenza (Flu)

Annual vaccination to protect against seasonal flu. Recommended for all children over 6 months of age.

Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR)

Protects against three serious viral diseases: measles, mumps, and rubella (German measles).

Varicella (Chickenpox)

Protects against chickenpox, a highly contagious viral infection.

Hepatitis A (HepA)

Protects against Hepatitis A, a liver disease caused by the hepatitis A virus.

These vaccines are part of the routine immunization schedule recommended by health authorities. It's essential to consult with your child's pediatrician to ensure your baby receives the appropriate vaccinations at the right times.