
Let me ask you few questions, no, it’s not going to be any lengthy quiz trust me, just two questions and we are done, that’s it!
-
How are the number of polio cases decreasing?
-
How has small pox become a disease of the past?
I know you said because of “Vaccines” right? , well yes, you are right, you scored 10/10 on that, Good job, give yourself a pat on the back!
So what we are trying to say here is “Vaccines work”!
Immunization has eradicated/controlled these diseases that had been bothering mankind for many years. Immunization carried out by administering vaccines orally or through injections is a way to protect humans against serious diseases. Once immunized, the body develops resistance to these diseases when it comes in contact with them. Research has proved that vaccination for certain diseases should begin at early years for a long-term benefit. Early childhood is a critical time for development and infants are most vulnerable to diseases due to their weak and underdeveloped immune systems. Strengthening their immunity at this stage will help to ward off many critical diseases like whooping diseases, Diphtheria, Polio etc.
Why is immunization important?
-
Immunization protects the child from various diseases and health complications
-
Vaccinating can help to eradicate the disease completely
-
Vaccination has reduced infant mortality rate
How do vaccines work?
Vaccines are made from the same germs that cause the diseases, however, these germs are medically killed or weakened so they would not cause harm. These are introduced into the blood stream to form antibodies which offer immunity against the disease. Whenever the diseases try to attack the body, these antibodies fight and ward them off.
As per WHO, immunization protects children from:
-
Diphtheria,
-
Measles,
-
Whopping cough,
-
Pneumonia,
-
Polio,
-
Rotavirus,
-
Diarrhoea,
-
Rubella,
-
Tetanus,
And avert about 2-3 million deaths, and that makes it important for parents to get their children immunized!
WHO has declared April 24-30 as World Immunization Week to spread the awareness on vaccination and highlight the dangers of not immunizing.
In 2017, the theme for the World Immunization week is ‘Vaccines Work’. The key goals for 2017 are:
-
Educate people that immunization has saved millions of lives globally and is one of the cost-effective ways to get lifelong protection from certain life-threatening diseases
-
Make investment in immunization a global priority
-
Encourage countries who have made progress with vaccination drives to continue their good work and prompt those countries lagging to increase their efforts
How can we help?
-
Follow the vaccination chart and vaccinate the child on time
-
Help with organizing the immunization drives in our own society for easier access
-
Remind the house helps, near and dear one to get their children immunized on time
Remember, Do Doond zindgi ke is not just a TV commercial, it makes a lot of sense! And it actually can change the course of someone’s life!