#HEALTH: World Immunisation Week - A Shot at Health

27 April 2023

Immunisation is important to protect an individual from diseases.

The most common method of increasing immunisation is through vaccination, as it is the easiest, safest and most effective way to prevent diseases, especially among children.

When children are vaccinated, their immune system will form antibodies to protect them from a disease, says Sunway Medical Centre consultant paediatrician and neonatologist Dr Lee Mei Ling.

There are 12 preventable diseases listed under the National Immunisation Programme (NIP).

Vaccines in the NIP Immunisation Schedule are provided free of charge at all government clinics and hospitals.

Stick To The Schedule
Dr Lee says apart from the Japanese encephalitis vaccine, which is only compulsory in Sarawak, every child must receive vaccines according to the schedule unless there's any underlying illness or medical condition which requires further discussion with a doctor.

Vaccines can cause side effects, such as fever, discomfort and pain at the injection site, but these are usually minimal.

"The risk of causing harm is low. If the child experiences a side effect or reaction to a vaccine that is detrimental to his health, then the additional dose will not be given."

If children are not vaccinated, they will be exposed to the risk of contracting preventable diseases.

Source: New Straits Times 

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