Immunisation key to curb deaths of kids, advise paediatricians

As part of the World Immunization Week, the IAP organised a press meet in Madurai recently in which a host of doctors dwelt on the importance of immunisation programmes.

V Pandian, president, IAP (Madurai chapter), said deadly diseases like chicken pox and polio were completely eradicated only because of constant immunisation initiatives.

With the help of such programmes, other communicable diseases like pneumonia and diarrhoea can be prevent-ed. The two diseases are among the two biggest factors contributing to the deaths of children under five.

Every year, on average, around 1.4 lakh children die from pneumonia, while 1 lakh die due to diarrhoea. It can be prevented if the children are immunised, Pandian said. Vaccines for such diseases are available in plenty and parents should be aware of it, he added.

Mahalingam, member, IAP (Madurai), said though parents are aware of the need to provide immunisation to their kids till the age of one, they pay little attention afterwards. “Hence, the government, in a bid to popularise immunisation, launched ‘Mission Indradhanush’ to vaccinate all children under the age of two against communicable dis-eases,” he said. After it was launched, the proportion of immunisation improved by six to seven per cent in a year. 

Balashankar, director, Institute of Child Health, Madurai, said, “Every medicine for immunisation is approved by the World Health Organisation and they are harmless.”