MMR vaccine

MMR stands for Measles, Mumps and Rubella. These are viral infections that can occasionally cause serious life threatening illnesses.
As per the Indian Academy of Paediatrics vaccination schedule 2016 3 doses at 9 months, 15 months and 4-6 years of age are suggested.

Cold and Cough

Common Cold is common among children aged 6 months to 5 years.

It is a viral infection which heals on its own.

There is no “cure”. There is no “vaccine.

The “Flu vaccine” does not prevent “recurrent cold and cough.

“Cold medications” are not recommended. Antibiotics should be avoided. Though the pharmacies are stocked full of various medications, none is effective. Giving these medications could lead to side effects.

A paediatrician could confirm a common cold and rule out pneumonia, ear infection or allergy. Then one could safely wait and let the “Cold” run its course.

PCV (Pneumonia) vaccine

Commonly known as Pneumonia vaccine.

Pneumococcus can cause ear infections, throat infection, Pneumonia and Meningitis (brain infection) which could cause brain damage.

Young children, mainly babies are at risk of this infection which is spread by coughing and sneezing.

2 versions of the vaccine are
1. PREVENAR
2. SYNFLORIX

PCV vaccine is compulsory for all children.

My take on this vaccine – cost of brain damage is immeasurable. Total cost of vaccine for the full series of 4 injections is approximately 6,000 to 15,000. So if you can afford it, get it done.

Hepatitis A vaccine

Do we need the Hepatitis A vaccine ? Our parents did not get it !

India is classified as "highly endemic" for Hepatitis A virus. That means almost all of the water is contaminated with the virus. So small doses of the virus in our drinking water would stimulate our immune system, produce antibody and confer protection.

Changing lifestyles and imroving sanitation means we drink bottled water or use RO/UVF filtered water in which all organisms including viruses are killed. So we are left unprotected to the virus. Hence the need for the vaccine.