Now Reading: Kids with heart disease risk severe infection if vaccines missed
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Kids with heart disease risk severe infection if vaccines missed
Children with congenital heart disease face higher risks of serious complications from infections like pneumonia if they miss routine vaccinations, doctors caution. Dr Shatarupa Mukherjee of CK Birla Hospitals says families should…
The Story in Brief
Children with congenital heart disease face higher risks of serious complications from infections like pneumonia if they miss routine vaccinations, doctors caution. Dr Shatarupa Mukherjee of CK Birla Hospitals says families should follow the Government of India immunisation schedule strictly, as respiratory infections can put extra strain on already compromised hearts.
The pneumococcal and Hib vaccines are especially important. Optional shots such as influenza, hepatitis A and chickenpox may be advised based on the child’s age and risk factors. Mild colds need not delay vaccination, but consultations with a paediatric cardiologist are recommended if a child is unwell or has recently had heart surgery.
The Indian Opinion
The real public health gap here is not knowledge but access. Poor families often miss follow-up doses because they cannot afford repeated visits, and many primary health centres lack paediatric cardiology referrals. Instead of another advisories-only approach, the ministry should tie vaccine catch-up camps directly to cardiology OPDs in district hospitals. The question to track is whether the National Health Mission’s 2025 immunisation data shows a drop in coverage among children with CHD.
Source: timesnownews.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the source linked above.
