Doctors Share Important Facts on Child and Adult Vaccine Safety

Key Discussion Points

Doctors shared key information on childhood and adult immunisation during an online health event held on Sunday. The discussion focused on vaccine schedules, catch-up shots, travel vaccines, and safety questions.

Children's Vaccines

Janani Sankar, medical director at Kanchi Kamakoti CHILDS Trust Hospital in Chennai, talked about the proper vaccination timeline for children. She stressed the need to finish all required doses and told parents what to do if a child misses a shot. She also shared advice on giving vaccines during minor sicknesses like a cold, cough, or fever. Dr. Sankar addressed worries about children getting multiple vaccines at once, explained normal side-effects after shots, and noted warning signs that need medical help.

Adult and Travel Shots

Dilip Mathai, a senior consultant in infectious diseases at Naruvi Hospitals, explained how adult vaccine needs change with age and health status. He shared solutions for adults who lost their past vaccination records and explained how catch-up shots work. He also covered travel vaccines based on different destinations and plans. Other topics included vaccines during pregnancy, long-term medicines, and long-term health conditions. The doctors also answered questions on vaccine safety, side-effects, social media myths, shots after an illness, and vaccines during disease outbreaks. Athira Elssa Johnson, a senior reporter, moderated the event.