Some of the most common vaccination queries of parents are addressed here.

• What is vaccination and why is it important?

                         Vaccination is a fantastic discovery about the human defense system. Vaccines are given to boost the body's immune response in such a way that if the disease actually attacks the body, the body's police force is up and ready to fight the infection at the earliest and protect your child from getting an infection. Its one of the best examples of 'Prevention is better than cure' as some of the diseases are potentially fatal or can leave your child behind with disablities. So its important to protect your child from such diseases.

• Its the time for a vaccine but my child has a mild fever. Can vaccinations be given?

                       Yes. Vaccinations can be given during mild illnesses. Apart from mild fever, vaccinations can also be given if your child has an ear infection, runny nose or cough. If your child has diarrhoea, but is otherwise normal, you can go ahead with the vaccination. However make sure you tell your doctor that your child has a mild illness and if, for whatever reason, your doctor advices you against it, follow your doctor's advice. Your doctor should be able to explain why he feels that your child's vaccine can wait.

                       However there are certain diseases during which certain vaccines MUST be avoided. Consult your doctor if your child has advacned health issues beyond mild illnesses.

•          I am afraid that my child will get 'Chicken Pox' and I was told that it can be prevented. But the vaccine is not there in both Govt and IAP schedule. Is it available? Can I give my child this vaccine?

                        Apart from the recommended vaccines, there are a number of other vaccines that can be given to children. However you must remember that all such vaccines are not necessary for all children and some are mandatory in highly risky areas. So you MUST consult your doctor before giving such vaccines as he is in the best position to judge the vaccine requirement for your child. You can discuss the possibilities with your doctor and take an informed decision. Click for other vaccines.

• My child was vaccinated and he has a mild fever since then. Is something wrong?

                      Not usually. Apart from mild fever, some children may also have a mild rash, pain at the site of infection and swelling of lymph glands. These usually occur with vaccinations and are not usually significant. Discuss the side effects of each vaccine with your doctor.

 Click here to read the complete vaccination schedule with optional vaccines.