Consultancy Corner: Early immunisation paramount in preventing diseases

 Dr Daphney Gracia Antony, Consultant - Preventive health checks, Fortis Malar Hospital, talks on some of the popular myths and corroborating facts to debunk the same ahead of World Immunisation Week.

Fact: Two popular studies that sparked the storm that MMR vaccine could be a plausible cause for autistic disorders have challenged the vaccination rates drastically. Eventually, these papers were proven to be critically flawed and were withdrawn from scientific literature. The mercury containing preservative thimerosal used in multi-dose vaccine vials is not neurotoxic and its link with neuro developmental disorders has not been proven.

Fact: While natural infection does impart long-lasting superlative immunity in most of the cases, it comes at the cost of potentially crippling issues such as permanent brain damage, birth defects, pneumonia and liver cancer. Vaccines are only known to be implicated in localised reactions such as redness and systemic reactions such as fever, both of which can be easily managed with very simple interventions.

Fact: Early vaccination is paramount in preventing diseases. Hence, there is no rationale in postponing vaccination or adapting an alternative schedule. Babies are capable of producing antibodies to combat infections ever since they pass through the birth canal. Despite the bacterial colonisation, babies do not pick up infections. The immune system of the child is mature enough to handle all the antigens in the vaccines.

Fact: Preservatives, stabilizers and adjuvants are added to vaccines during the manufacturing process to help prevent microbial contamination, to stabilize them and to enhance their potency respectively. Aluminum salts, egg protein, gelatin, yeast proteins, formaldehyde and monosodium glutamate (MSG) are commonly detected constituents.

Fact: Despite several vaccine preventable diseases being eliminated from certain geographic areas, immunisation is still recommended as there is a theoretical possibility of acquiring infections from travelers of other countries where the diseases are widely prevalent. If the residents are not immune to particular germs, they can contract these pathogens that can consequently result in epidemic outbreaks.

Fact: It is a well-established fact that vaccines artificially mimic the disease and elicit an immune response similar to the disease. This might result in trivial symptoms which are much lesser than the burden of the full blown disease. Phenomena such as febrile seizures that provoke anxiety among parents can occur with any infection in the body and even if it does occur permanent harm is not associated.

Fact: Vaccine safety systems adequately ensure that the vaccines are manufactured as per stringent guidelines. The safety and efficacy of the vaccine are thoroughly tested prior to its introduction into the commercial market. Once a particular side effect is observed, detailed instructions and precautions will be made available to parents. Innumerable scientific studies vouch for the stellar efficiency of vaccines.

Fact: Mild febrile illness, exposure to infectious diseases and convalescence are not reasons to hold back vaccination by any means. The attending physician will be gauging the child’s clinical status and will be able to advise whether a delay in administration of the vaccine is needed. Except in cases of severe allergic reactions to one of the vaccine constituents or immune-compromised conditions, most of the other situations are transient and the child can be vaccinated later.

Fact: With the exception of certain vaccines that are made using live strains of viruses, specific guidelines have been formulated as to what vaccines are needed prior to pregnancy, during pregnancy and following delivery. Pregnancy and postpartum vaccinations can help transmit antibodies to the baby thereby conferring protection against potentially lethal disorders.