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Most vaccine-preventable diseases are still prevalent in our country today. Without vaccine protection we can easily contract and transmit infectious diseases. This article is about understanding the need for immunization and it concentrates on the critical role that a mother plays in protecting her family from diseases and is based on the medical opinion expressed by Dr. Omala Wimalaratne (Consultant Virologist & Vaccinologist) and Dr. Dilrukshi Ruberu (Consultant Paediatrician) who are mothers as well.

Immunization is important at all stages of life.

This is because vaccinations should be given at the correct age for optimal protection. Also, the correct dose at the correct time is very important.

Doctors broadly divide the timing of immunization into three life stages. These stages are infants & children, adolescents & adults and finally the elderly group.

For Infants the (EPI) schedule is the best guideline, in addition to the non-EPI schedule, on the required vaccinations. Infants are required to get the stipulated amount of vaccinations, such as BCG at birth. This vaccination, after 4-6 weeks will leave a scar on the infant. The scar is very important and if it does not appear the BCG must be given again. Then at 2, 4 and 6 months the Triple Vaccine (Diphtheria, Tetanus and Pertusis) and Polio must be given to the infant. The Triple vaccine can sometimes have side effects in the form of fever, pain and irritability in some infants. The mother should monitor the fever and if it goes over 102 F or the child is unusually irritable she should consult the doctor. A baby's immune system can handle the vaccines prescribed in the EPI / non-EPI schedule. Additional vaccines such as Hepatitis B (available in the private sector) is essential since 30% of the cases of contracting the disease are unknown and also there are still some blood products that are infected with Hepatitis B. By 2003 Hepatitis B will be added to the EPI schedule since if it is given during infancy the immunity will last longer. Hemophilus influenzae type b vaccine (available in the private sector) is important for children less than five years; the disease can cause meningitis, otitis media, deafness or pneumonia. Hepatitis A vaccination is not compulsory for infants, as there is limited exposure to the routes of entry of the virus.

Therefore for infants, the triple vaccination and polio are recommended, with the additional ones such as Hepatitis B and Hib (available in the private sector) to be given at 2, 4 and 6 months. The Measles vaccination is usually given at 09 months. In the private sector, there is the "Five in One" vaccination given to infants. It combines the Triple, Hepatitis B and Hemophilus influenzae type b.

Children over 1 year old should be given all vaccines in the EPI schedule, as a basic minimum. Other vaccinations are optional, but nevertheless important for a healthy life. The combine vaccination of Hepatitis A & B can be given to a child over two years and it is more economical for the family. The MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella) vaccination is required usually at the age of three years. At government hospitals only MR (Measles and Rubella) is given. MMR vaccination is given in the private sector. It is safe since the vaccinations that are administered by the government are according to WHO standards.

For Adults, the Hepatitis A and B vaccination are very important, even if they were vaccinated during childhood or adolescence, and a combination of both can be given in one shot. Hepatitis B is very dangerous for adults. If contracted once the tendency is to stay in the body for a lifetime. It is very dangerous and could damage the liver, which could lead to cancer or eventually death due to liver failure. If a woman is pregnant and contracts Hepatitis B, she could pass it on to her child before, during or after birth. Chickenpox is another contagious disease, which leads to isolation of the individual. In addition, they can infect others at work, home and other locations. Now there is a vaccination available. Children and adolescence need to have the chickenpox vaccine, especially those sitting exams. The MMR vaccination is also essential for adults. This is because mumps may cause sterility in men and rubella can cause complications for pregnant women.

The Elderly (over 60) are considered a vulnerable group, since their immune system is more susceptible to diseases. Thus, vaccinations are essential for them to lead a healthy life.

Since mothers play an important role in protecting the family unit, vaccinations for her protection is important.

A mother needs to be vaccinated for Hepatitis B, Rubella and Chickenpox. Women who plan on having children need to be vaccinated against rubella because rubella could cause complications during pregnancy and lead to birth defects. Hepatitis B vaccination is important because a mother can pass it to her baby and the bay will be a carrier. In addition, pregnant women who contract chicken pox anytime up to 10 weeks may lose their baby. If contracted during the later stages of pregnancy there may be birth defects.

If a mother wants to keep her family safe, then she need sot vaccinate her self and family. This should be done in consultation with a doctor, says Dr. Omala Wimalaratne.

Dr. Dilrukshi Ruberu, also recommends mothers to be concerned about infectious diseases. Mothers should make sure that new syringes are used for the vaccination. Always ask for a new disposable syringe. In order for vaccines to be effective they should be properly stored, she says. All Mothers should have a Child Health Record that explains immunization and the immunization date according to the EPI Schedule. Mothers must read it and vaccinate their child at the correct time. Diseases like chickenpox is less severe in children but can cause complications. As she says Dr. Rubero believes that "it is better to get the vaccine than having the disease."

They would like to remind Mothers that immunization for the family is a decision taken by the mother, in consultation with a doctor. For further information on Immunization or on specific vaccines, please consult your doctor. 

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