Immunization saves millions of lives every year and is widely recognized as one of the world's most successful health interventions. Yet there are still nearly 20 million children in the world today who are not getting the vaccines they need, and many miss out on vital vaccines during adolescence adulthood and into old age. At Medicircle, we're conducting an exclusive interview series on vaccination Awareness Day, featuring eminent pediatricians and child specialists to create awareness and impart correct knowledge directly through the experts.

Dr. Vishal Parmar is a newborn and child specialist with experience of eight years in the field. He is an Alumni of BG Medical College in Ahmedabad. Also, he's a member of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health in London, and a member of the Indian Academy of Paediatrics. Previously he has worked with Wadia children's hospital and SRCC children's Hospital in Mumbai.

Vaccines For Adult

Dr. Vishal informs, “there are many vaccines for adults. The first one is Chickenpox vaccine, also known as Varicella vaccine. All adults who have never had chickenpox or didn’t receive a vaccine should be vaccinated against it. Children need two doses of this vaccine for 100% protection against severe disease.”

“Second is MMR vaccine. This vaccine is against measles, mumps, and rubella. First dose is generally given 9-15 months of age and second 15 months – 6 years with al least 4 weeks between the doses. This vaccine is very important for girls. All girls should get this vaccine before marriage. If a girl got infected with rubella during pregnancy, it could have a very harmful effect on fetus. Serious consequences such as miscarriage, stillbirths, and severe birth defects in infants can be seen. This is known as Congenital Rubella Syndrome.

Third is HPV. This vaccine protects against infection with human papillomaviruses. All boys and girls should get this vaccine. Three doses of vaccine are to be given. One can start from 11 years of age,” says Dr. Vishal.

Dr. Vishal adds, “Fourth one is DPT vaccine. It is a combination vaccine against three infectious diseases in humans – Diphtheria, Pertussis (whooping cough), and Tetanus. 3 primary doses are to be given at 4 weeks intervals starting at 6 weeks of age, then 10 weeks and 14 weeks of age with 2 boosters at 15-18 months and 5 years. This vaccine is very much important as these are very brutal diseases. The diseases can affect the quality of life and hamper our day to day activity.

Fifth is Influenza vaccine or flu vaccine. This protects against infection from influenza viruses. These viruses change their structure time to time. These vaccines are to be given before flu season begins that is at the start of winters because it takes two weeks to develop antibodies after vaccinating.

Then comes the Pneumococcal vaccines This is for streptococcus pneumoniae. The vaccine is given by injection to muscle or under the skin. One dose is required of it. Adults especially 65 and above should receive one dose of Pneumococcal polysaccharide.”

Everyone Should Take COVID Vaccine

Dr. Vishal stresses, “All adults are supposed to take COVID vaccine. They should help to develop herd immunity. To prevent complications and death from COVID 19, and to break the chain of transmission of the virus from one to another, everyone should take the COVID vaccine.  Two doses of vaccine are required between the gap of 4-8 weeks.”

Vaccines Are for Viruses not For the Side Effects

Dr. Vishal emphasizes, “We need to change our mentality. We are taking vaccines for infection and not for the side effect. There may be some component which is going to cause discomfort like fever, body ache, headache but these can be treated very well by simply OTC medicine. The benefits of the vaccine are going to be more than its side effect. Vaccines that are present in the market are being researched throughout. For any misconception or misinformation about the vaccine, you should consult your pediatrician or physician before spreading rumors.”

Dr Vishal says, “COVID is a new virus. Studies and researches are being carried out to know much about it, how it affects our body our immunity, how it behaves. Vaccine developers are trying their best working hard to give an effective solution.”

(Edited by Renu Gupta)