As parents, children’s safety always comes first. As we slowly adapt to the “new normal” during the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important to keep their medical records updated. One of the best ways to safeguard your child’s health is through vaccination. Read more about a few extra precautions on your next vaccination schedule.
Before going to the clinic
Make sure that you have an appointment. Keep in mind that health and safety protocols are in place to protect you and your child such as filling out health declaration forms and additional physical barriers. Hence, it’s important that you follow the rules of your respective clinics and schedule your visits. Seeing hospital personnel in medical suits may scare your children since it is something new for them, but with your support and guidance they will be able to overcome their fears.
If possible, sit down and talk to your child about the importance of having their vaccination records updated before the appointment. This will help manage any apprehension experienced by your child, and will help him/her prepare on what to expect.
Don’t forget to protect yourselves from the virus and other diseases by wearing the prescribed PPEs like masks and face shields upon going out of the house. Consult your family doctor on what kind of PPEs are prescribed for young children before you buy to ensure that they are also comfortable. Keep in mind to wash your hands frequently and bring your handy sanitizer to disinfect surfaces and your personal belongings as you make your visit to the clinic.
Vaccination schedule
According to UNICEF and the World Health Organization (WHO), getting vaccinated should now be more relevant since there is an ongoing pandemic. The frequency and dosage of vaccines depend on your child’s age and current health conditions.
Here are a few vaccine-preventable diseases from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
- Chickenpox (Varicella)
- Diptheria, Pertussis, Tetanus (DTaP)
- Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)
- Hepatitis A, B (HepA, HepB)
- Influenza (Flu)
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)
- Polio (IPV)
- Pneumococcal (PCV13)
- Rotavirus (RV)
You can refer to this vaccination guide from the Philippine Pediatric Society and the Pediatric Infectious Disease Society of the Philippines.
Remember, vaccines are available for different stages life stages and health conditions, so it’s also important to follow through on your own vaccination schedules as a family to fortify your resistance against a variety of illnesses.
Ask your doctor about their latest offerings on their medical services like drive-thru stations for vaccines. Alternatively, telemedicine services are now available across small and big clinics that caters to your immediate medical needs, so give your family doctor a call first before you decide to visit.
General disclaimer
Your doctor will always be in the best position to give the appropriate medical advice for your condition. For suspected undesirable drug reaction, seek medical attention immediately and report to the FDA at www.fda.gov.ph and UNILAB, Inc. at 8-UNILAB-1 or productsafety@unilab.com.ph. Always buy your medicine from your trusted drugstores and retailers.
Sources:
https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/parents/downloads/parent-ver-sch-0-6yrs.pdf
https://www.unicef.org/coronavirus/vaccinations-and-covid-19-what-parents-need-know
https://www.who.int/immunization/policy/Immunization_routine_table2.pdf
