Facts about vaccines (immunizations) that you should not miss

The first time vaccines were introduced, vaccines or immunizations have made a difference in the world of health by helping to stop the spread of various diseases. Until now, vaccines continue to be recommended to be given to every child. However, recently the vaccine continues to be debated by the public because there are many rumors that are circulating incorrectly. Here are eight facts about vaccines that parents often worry about.

1. Is it mandatory for every child to be immunized?

Yes, all children are required to receive immunizations. Immunization can protect every child from dangerous diseases while helping to reduce the spread of the disease. Therefore, giving vaccines to your little one indirectly means that you help protect other children who don't get the vaccine. Whether it's for cost reasons or medical reasons.

In addition, the cost of immunization is much cheaper than the cost of treating the disease.

2. Will the immune system be weakened if the vaccine is given?

No, your immune system will not weaken. Your immune system actually increases because your body will make antibodies against germs and viruses that cause disease. That way, when a virus that causes an infectious disease approaches you, your body is immune enough to fight off the viral infection.

You also don't need to worry because giving vaccines against one type of disease will not weaken your immune system's response to other diseases.

3. Can the vaccine cause the disease that the vaccine should have prevented?

This is one of the concerns about vaccines. The reason is, the way the immunization works is by mimicking a viral infection in the body. However, the vaccine contains a virus that is dead, so it cannot cause disease in your body.

Only vaccines containing live attenuated viruses such as the varicella-zoster (chickenpox) vaccine and measles-mump-rubella (MMR) vaccine can cause illness with mild symptoms.

However, that doesn't mean vaccines are dangerous. Mild symptoms can be controlled quickly. Meanwhile, symptoms of serious illness due to viral infection are usually very difficult to control. So, it is still better to give immunizations for children even though there are health risks.

4. What about the side effects of immunization?

The most questionable fact about vaccines is how safe they are. Although immunization can have side effects, the risk of complications from diseases that can be prevented by immunization is much greater.

For example, one in 20 children die from diphtheria infection. Meanwhile, only 1 in 14,000 children experienced serious immunization side effects after being given the diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DtaP) vaccine through immunization.

5. Does the vaccine cause fever?

Yes, vaccines can cause fever. The reason is, fever is one of the side effects of immunization. Immunization also carries a risk of other minor side effects. Starting from redness, pain at the injection site, joint pain, fever, and symptoms such as getting sick with the flu .

In addition, there are also serious side effects such as severe allergic reactions (anaphylactic). However, serious vaccine side effects are extremely rare.

6. What immunizations must be given?

There are several basic and mandatory immunizations that must be given to all children or babies in Indonesia. In fact, as regulated in the Regulation of the Ministry of Health (Permenkes) of the Republic of Indonesia, parents who do not immunize their sons and daughters can be prosecuted in court. This is because vaccines are considered as one of the children's rights that should not be violated.

Below is a list of vaccines that everyone should receive, especially infants and children who are more susceptible to viral infections.

• Hepatitis B
• Polio
• Tuberculosis
• Measles
• Diphtheria
• Pertussis
• Tetanus
• Pneumonia and meningitis

7. Do only children need vaccines?

It's not just children who need to receive immunizations with vaccines. There are also additional immunizations that need to be given to adults and adolescents. Among others are:

• Influenza
• HPV (a virus that can cause cervical cancer)
• Meningococcal (cause of meningitis)
• Tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis
• Hepatitis A and B
• Pneumococcus (causes pneumonia)

8. Can my child be immunized if they are sick?

Immunization is still safe and recommended even though when your child is going to be immunized, your child is suffering from a minor illness such as cough, cold, ear infection, or low-grade fever. However, you should first consult with your doctor about your child's condition before getting immunized.

You should also go directly to the Puskesmas or pediatrician to find out more about various facts about vaccines so that you don't have any doubts.