If you are an anti-vaxxer, feel free to move on to the next article. 

Sure, our bodies have the capability to heal ourselves and be immune to certain diseases. However, there are some pathogens that our body cannot protect against and this is where vaccines come in. Vaccines can prevent diseases, disability and even death by boosting our immune system.

To both my husband and I, the benefits of vaccination far outweigh the potential side effects of vaccination. So, yes. I am all for vaccinations. Every single one.

Now that we have got that out of the way, let’s start on today’s topic – optional vaccines.

PNEUMOCOCCAL – to protect against invasive pneumococcal disease. This vaccine would prevent infections such as pneumonia, meningitis (brain and spinal cord inflammation which can cause brain damage or death) and bacteremia. I was happy to hear that our government is considering to make this vaccine mandatory.

INFLUENZA – to protect against influenza. This vaccine is to protect against contagious respiratory illnesses that infect the nose, throat and lungs. The disease could range from mild to severe and lead to hospitalisation and/or death.

HEPATITIS A – to protect against liver infection. This vaccine is to protect against liver damage. In some cases, hepatitis A can cause liver failure and death.

VARICELLA – to protect against chickenpox. This vaccine is to protect against the highly contagious chickenpox.

Be sure to discuss with your pediatrician before deciding on when or which vaccinations to give your child. We are lucky to have a pediatrician who takes the time to explain and advise us.

For example, when my son was sick, she advised to postpone the jab to minimise any potential discomfort. When it was time for my daughter to take the influenza vaccine, she advised to take it early (in September) when the disease is rife.

When visiting my pediatrician, I would let my kiddos wear PETPET® which has ‘Fast Dry 360 AirThru Comfort’ that allows both my little ones to stay fresh and dry up to 10 hours. More comfort for the two of them and less fuss for us parents when we are at the clinic.

We feel that it would be a grave mistake to disregard optional vaccines just because they are not made mandatory or that months has passed without any major health issue. Seeing any one of my children unwell is the most painful thing for me as a parent and I’m sure for you too.

Prevention is better than cure, so talk to your doctor today!

Disclaimer:
This article is purely the views of the writer.

References:
https://hsi.moh.gov.my/2019/04/17/vaccination-for-children-in-malaysia-2/
https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/pneumo/public/index.html
https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/hav/afaq.htm?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fvaccines%2Fvpd%2Fhepa%2Fpublic%2Findex.html#prevention
https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/varicella/index.html
https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/flu/index.html