Immunization for babies is very important to do. So that the child’s immune system is maintained and protected from dangerous diseases.
However, it is unfortunate that there are still some parents who doubt the importance of immunization for their children. Whereas immunization is not only to protect himself, but also the people around him or called herd immunity (herd immunity).
Lack of parental knowledge about immunization and the emergence of various myths can be one of the factors why parents are afraid to immunize.
Through a virtual webinar organized by Pondok Indah Group Hospital, on Wednesday (14/7/2021), with the topic “All things Vaccination, Children are the Key to Keeping Your Little One’s Immunity”, dr. Ellen Wijaya, Sp.A as a Pediatrician said, “don’t wait for our children to get sick but protect our children with immunizations.”
Then, what are the myths and facts about immunization for babies? Following Popmama.com has prepared an explanation from dr. Ellen.
What are the conditions of children who can’t have immunizations?
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Before you know the myths that have sprung up, maybe you should know in advance what conditions your child is not able to immunize.
In his presentation, dr. Ellen told that for children who have blood cancer, leukemia, conditions that are not optimal and in a state they must undergo chemotherapy. At that time the child should not get immunizations that are physically live bacteria or viruses.
Meanwhile, children who have HIV also cannot be immunized, but for polio immunization injections are still allowed. Because of the nature of the virus that has been turned off.
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Myths and Facts about Immunization in Your Little One
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Basically, the provision of immunization is a need that must be met since the newborn in order to maintain his health. Immunization is said to be quite safe and effective in preventing dangerous diseases.
Quoting from the Indonesian Pediatric Association (IDAI), immunization protection is indeed not 100 percent, meaning that after being immunized, infants and children can still be exposed to these diseases, but the probability is only small (5 – 15%), much lighter and harmless.
However, until now, parents still have doubts about giving immunizations to their little ones due to the myths that are spread.
Through the material described, dr. Ellen explains various myths and facts about immunization for babies.
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1. It is better to get immunity from disease than through vaccines
Pexels/Anna Shvets—
Which parent can bear to see their child having convulsions, paralyzed due to polio virus, meningitis, or other diseases. “Do we have the heart to see our children sick first so they can be protected?” said dr. Ellen.
In fact, getting immunity from the disease you are suffering from is actually a higher risk. Therefore, dr. Ellen said don’t regret it and don’t wait for your child to get sick first, but protect it with immunizations.
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2. MMR immunization causes autism
Unsplash / Ignacio Campo—
MMR is Mumps, Measles and Rubella, one of the vaccines given since the baby is nine months old. This vaccine is rumored to trigger autism in children.
In fact, dr. Ellen said there was no evidence and no correlation between the two. Why is the MMR vaccine to blame? Because the second dose of MMR vaccine is given at the age of 15-18 months at the same time as the parents who started it aware when children can not talk and are engrossed in their own world.
As a result, parents blame the MMR vaccine, even though it has nothing to do with it and is safe to give.
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3. Immunization contains harmful substances
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There may be some parents who do not want to give immunizations because they think they contain harmful substances.
In fact, the substances contained are safe and their properties are to help provide protection. For example, such as aluminum as an adjuvant, although the amount is very small, it helps to increase the child’s immune system.
“By only giving 0.5 cc, it can provide good protection,” said dr. Ellen in her webinar.
Then dr. Ellen added, the substances included in the vaccine have been calculated to be beneficial and safe.
In addition, dr. Ellen also emphasized that the mercury content in the vaccine was not dangerous. “It contains ethyl mercury so it is harmless and the amount is very low,” he said.
Those are the myths and facts about immunization for babies. Wow, that’s really interesting, Ma’s discussion! It could be new knowledge for mothers who are still afraid to give vaccines to their little ones.
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