As a child, I’d got many vaccination shots, and no, the memories have not been hazy. Surely, they didn’t involve much screaming, because I was a strong girl. And since my parents had made sure I knew what vaccination meant, I was good to go.

No, I wasn’t getting the teekas that’d leave a big mark behind on the arms, and thank you, Doctors, for that! Phew.

Though, we must agree that vaccination as a subject in our country is understudied. This National Vaccination Day, I got in touch with Dr. Ajay Gambhir (President, National Neonatology Forum of India, New Delhi) of Vaccine India.

Indian Women Blog: What are the essentials that parents should know about the Rubella and the Measles Vaccine, especially since there have been strong discussions about their being mandatory? 

Dr. Ajay: Measles is a deadly disease. However, Rubella is not. The first vaccine is of measles alone that was initially given at 1.5 years. Now, things have changed, and the vaccine is given when the child is about nine months old. 

Indian Women Blog: There’s been a running debate that mercury in vaccines can cause autism. Please comment from a medical perspective?

Dr. Ajay: When vaccines are introduced, safety for the individuals also becomes a great concern. Initially, a type of mercury, Thiomersal was added to Hepatitis B and many other vaccines, too. When the dosage of all vaccines came together, the content of mercury would increase. Things have now changed, and vaccines that are Thiomersal free have been introduced, even the ones that contain mercury carry a negligible amount. 

Indian Women Blog: What should be done to raise literacy around vaccination?

Dr. Ajay: Firstly, the social practices need to be changed. Many parents, to this date, massage their children with dung. Yes, and it can lead to many diseases. Simply by giving the message that vaccination is important, our country will not be educated.

Vaccines should not be introduced every time there is a “new” disease around the block.

Indian Women Blog: Teenagers tend to ignore the importance of vaccination in adolescence. What is the importance of vaccines in this age?

Dr. Ajay: Teenagers may be rebellious, but they just need a little bit of extra attention, and soon you’ll see that they will understand the importance of vaccination. Just educate them, that’s all you need to do.

Indian Women Blog: Parents often worry about the side effects of vaccination. Why do they occur and how can they be prevented with the proper care and diet?

Dr. Ajay: There really is no correlation between vaccination and diet. To avoid any complications, which we call adverse events following immunization, certain things should be taken care of.

If a vaccination is reacting, the doctor is supposed to inform the Indian Government. The doctor should also be familiar with any and all allergies of the patient. Vaccination should be given in the correct place. And also, some vaccinations (like DPT) get the maximum and immediate reactions. The doctor should sit the parents down and observe the condition of the child for some twenty minutes, before sending them back home.

Indian Women Blog: If a vaccination is missed out, can it be taken later in life?

Dr. Ajay: Yes, at any point of time in your life.

Indian Women Blog: What are some vaccines that should NOT be given together?

Dr. Ajay: Yellow fever and Rabies should not be mixed together. At the same time, No two live vaccines should be given within one month

Indian Women Blog: How can the immune system of the children be strengthened post-vaccination?

Dr. Ajay: The balanced diet should include zinc, as it improves the immune system. However, also, the immune system is dependent on the genetics.

Indian Women Blog: Should we take medication for a fever that occurs as a result of taking any shots?

Dr. Ajay: You could take a Crocin, and if the fever persists, just visit your doctor.

Indian Women Blog: One vaccine you wish to be invented?

Dr. Ajay: Dengue and Malaria.

Indian Women Blog: Talking beyond medical terms, what is one social evil you’d create a vaccine for?

Dr. Ajay: Gender equality. Did you know that only 38% women while 52% men get admitted in the hospitals? Why? Do our women not get sick?

Indian Women Blog: What is the future of vaccines in India, say 25 years from now?

Dr. Ajay: It’s pretty bright, for sure. People are slowly getting educated. There is an availability, affordability, and accessibility, the only thing that is in short right now, is accountability. But, as I said, the future will make things better.

Indian Women Blog: Discuss the issue of consent and parents’ right to refuse vaccination?

Dr. Ajay: In a civil society, parents have the right to choose whether or not they’d like the vaccination for their children. Honestly, in our country, the lack of education forces the doctors to make certain vaccinations mandatory. At the same time, we need to make sure not to overburden the immune system of our children, either.