Knowing the vaccines for newborn babies
In this insightful discussion, Dr. Pradeep Suryawanshi, the esteemed Director of the Department of Paediatrics and Neonatology at MomStory by Sahyadri Hospital, sheds light on the crucial vaccines every newborn requires within the first 24 hours for a healthy start. Understanding the significance of vaccines in reducing newborn and infant mortality rates to 20/1000 over the last fifty years, Dr. Suryawanshi emphasizes the importance of timely vaccination to ensure a robust foundation for a lifetime of health.
The Achievement of Vaccination: A Brief Overview
Acknowledging the tremendous impact of vaccines on reducing newborn and infant mortality rates, Dr. Suryawanshi underscores the importance of requesting doctors to administer three vital vaccines within the first 24 hours of a child’s birth. This proactive approach contributes significantly to a healthier start for newborns.
BCG Vaccine: Shielding Against Tuberculosis
The first vaccine discussed is the Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine, renowned for preventing tuberculosis in children. Dr. Suryawanshi recommends its administration on the left shoulder within the first 24 hours, emphasizing the critical role it plays in protecting newborns from this infectious disease.
Hepatitis B Vaccine: Guarding Against a Silent Threat
The spotlight then shifts to the second vaccine – the Hepatitis B Vaccine. Addressing the concern of Hepatitis B transmission from mother to child, Dr. Suryawanshi stresses the importance of administering this vaccine within the first 24 hours. With a 99 percent protection rate, this vaccine becomes a cornerstone in preventing Hepatitis B and its potential complications in newborns.
Polio Drops: Safeguarding Against Polio
The third vaccine in focus is the Polio Vaccine, administered through two drops. Dr. Suryawanshi emphasizes the simultaneous administration of Polio drops alongside BCG and Hepatitis B vaccines within the first 24 hours. This comprehensive approach aligns with global efforts to eradicate polio and ensures the overall health and well-being of newborns.
The Key Takeaway: Advocating for Timely Vaccination
Summing up the discussion, Dr. Pradeep Suryawanshi emphasizes the critical window within the first 24 hours for administering these three important vaccines – BCG, Hepatitis B, and Polio. Urging parents to proactively request these vaccinations, he highlights that additional vaccines will follow at around one and a half months, reinforcing the commitment to comprehensive and timely immunization.
In conclusion, Dr. Suryawanshi’s expert guidance serves as a valuable resource for parents, fostering a proactive approach to newborn health through timely and essential vaccinations. Advocating for these vaccines within the first 24 hours sets the stage for a robust and resilient foundation for the newborn’s health journey.