Please tell us something about immunization against Polio

Polio vaccination is done by few drops of the vaccine being put in the baby's mouth. You should make it certain that the baby is not fed for at least 1/2 hour before and 1/2 hour after the vaccination. The baby should not have diarrhoea and upper respiratory tract infection like cold and cough for a successful vaccination to take place. It is very necessary that you should get the vaccine from an authorised centre, otherwise the chances of false protection may cost you heavily. The vaccination becomes ineffective if not given properly. The vaccine has to be stored in a deep freeze at a certain temperature, which very few centres can afford. So please be careful where you get the polio vaccination done for your baby. Polio immunization need not be repeated after the first, or maximum the second Booster.

How to save the child from Cholera and Typhoid?

The typhoid vaccination must be.done just before summer every year, since the protection provided by the vaccine is only for 6 months.

In fact if you think you can give your child water to carry in a flask I can assure you, that either he will share it with his friends or throw it away and drink the water from the tap. Carrying water singles him out and his desire is to be identified with his friends and socialise, to be one with them and not different. - Milk and ice-creams beside water are vehicles for this infection which is carried by fluids. Children love ice-creams in summer and hence it is necessary to protect them rather than prohibit them from eating the delicacies of summer. Cholera immunization as a routine is not advised.

Is Booster-shot required after BCG too?

Yes, once a child is vaccinated for BCG he should be tested at one year of age whether the BCG was effective. This is done by a test known as Mantoux. If it is negative, BCG vaccine should be repeated. If it is positive then the purpose has been served.