Immunization and childcare during lockdown

Children are very dear to their parents and any kind of discomfort to them gives rise to a lot of questions in the parent's minds. We spoke to Dr. Rajendra Dev, a pediatrician practicing for the last 40 years and this is what he had to say.

A child is very dear to its parent and is the apple of their eye and any kind of uncomfort gives rise to a lot of questions in their mind. The COVID-19 lockdown gave rise to a situation not anticipated or experienced by a generation of parents and medical professionals. We spoke to Dr. Rajendra Dev, a pediatrician practicing for the last 40 years and this is what he had to say.

Whether to give immunization to the child or not?

There is no need to postpone the immunization. It can be done as per the schedule; unless the family is under home quarantine.

In case a dose is missed due to lock-down, it can be given few weeks later without any loss of immunity.

A Joint advisory issued by WHO and UNICEF says:

• National routine immunization program are more critical than even before.
• Vulnerability to infectious diseases anywhere is a threat to public health everywhere.
• According to Afshan Khan, UNICEF Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia;
• It is critical that routine immunization programmes continue during this crisis.
• Reaching the most vulnerable children who have missed routine immunization in the past should be prioritized.
• If during these precedented times local COVID-19 response measures cause temporary interruptions of routine immunization services, countries should plan to resume immunization services as quickly as possible after the situation stabilizes.
• Countries should be prepared to vaccinate those at higher risk and ensure everyone; including the most marginalized will have equal access to a COVID-19 vaccine when it becomes available.

Newborn need more attention during this time

Children who are in the phase of teething and are having cold , how to allay panic

Minor cold is not a contraindication for immunization, and many children are safely given different vaccines.Teething is normal part of growing process unnecessarily hyped by the public.

Are asthmatic children at additional risk?

Asthmatics do not have any additional risk; but asthma should be well controlled. If child shows symptoms other than their usual pattern, please consult the nearest medical facility available.

Outdoor activities are stopped. Children are becoming irritable as they can’t play with their friends

It is true that children who are always active are difficult to manage inside the four walls of the house. But parents having good communications with their children can convince them that this is temporary phase and will pass off. Each family should find their own way out.

Eating pattern has suddenly changed. Children are not getting their favorite biscuits or chocolates due to limited availability. They are getting irritable. Throwing temper tantrums

This is great blessing in disguise .A very nice opportunity to wean children off the junk food.

This will save them from all the lifestyle diseases.

Temper tantrums is altogether a different subject; it does not come as a temporary response to the lockdown.

Lots of kids complain of constipation as their regular supply of fruits wasn’t available.

Junk food is a major cause of constipation in today's children. Normal Indian household diet is good enough to avoid constipation in absence of fruits.

In most of the families today, there is very poor communications between the parents and the children and this lockdown is a golden opportunity for parents to talk to their children and understand them and strengthen the bonds.