Vaccine schedules, catch-up vaccination, and common misconceptions about immunisation were among the issues discussed by doctors at The Hindu ’s Health Webinar Series on ‘Vaccines: Armour Against Infectious Diseases’ held on Sunday.
Janani Sankar, medical director, Kanchi Kamakoti CHILDS Trust Hospital, Chennai, explained the recommended vaccination schedule for children, the importance of completing the required doses and what parents can do when a child misses a scheduled vaccine. She also addressed questions about vaccination during minor illnesses, such as a cold, cough or fever, and concerns about children receiving multiple vaccines.
Dilip Mathai, senior consultant in Infectious Diseases, Naruvi Hospitals, and Professor of Medicine and Adult Infectious Diseases, discussed vaccination in adults, including how vaccination needs may change with age and individual circumstances. He also discussed travel vaccination, including the need to consider recommended vaccines based on the destination and travel plans. The doctors also addressed questions on vaccine safety, side-effects, information circulating on social media, vaccination after an infectious disease, and immunisation during outbreaks.
He explained options for adults who do not have records of earlier vaccinations, and the role of catch-up vaccination.
