Parents' misconceptions about vaccination

Common misconceptions among parents include the idea that vaccinations against uncommon or non-fatal diseases are unnecessary, and that applying cooling compresses or potato slices to injection sites is recommended.

According to Dr. Cao Huu Nghia, Head of the LAM Department at the Pasteur Institute in Ho Chi Minh City, vaccination is important and necessary for children. However, parents need to understand this issue correctly to help their children avoid dangerous infectious diseases. Below are some common misconceptions among parents that prevent children from receiving complete and effective vaccinations.

Dr. Cao Huu Nghia - Head of the Clinical Biological Testing Department, Pasteur Institute of Ho Chi Minh City

Vaccinations for less common diseases are not necessary.

Vaccine-preventable diseases will soon return if the health sector halts vaccination programs. Maintaining good hygiene, washing hands, and using clean water only helps limit some infectious diseases, while many others can still spread through various means. When parents are complacent, failing to vaccinate their children or not administering the required doses, many once common and particularly serious infectious diseases like polio and measles can reappear.

Vaccination is not necessary for non-fatal diseases.

Chickenpox is a non-fatal disease, but vaccination is still necessary when a child is 12 months old. The disease can cause unpredictable and dangerous complications. In mild cases, chickenpox causes skin infections. In more severe cases, the bacteria can enter the bloodstream, causing sepsis. In addition, children may experience other complications such as pneumonia, encephalitis, and cerebellitis. The scars left by the blisters can also cause children to feel self-conscious about their appearance and affect their psychology.

Vaccination against Japanese encephalitis for children (Photo by Dinh Nguyet)

Vaccinated babies do not need to be breastfed.

The notion that vaccinated children have a strong immune system and therefore don't need breastfeeding is a misconception. Breast milk contains over 50 immune factors. Studies show that children who are exclusively breastfed for the first four months of life are 40% less likely to develop ear infections. Therefore, in addition to receiving all recommended vaccinations on schedule, children should be breastfed for as long as possible to strengthen their immune system.

Vaccinated children cannot get the disease.

Vaccinating children against diseases is an important and necessary step.

In fact, there are many cases where vaccinated children still get sick due to incomplete booster shots, missed vaccinations, vaccinations given earlier than the prescribed time, etc. A weak immune system, lack of immune response, or vaccination during an acute illness (high fever, severe cough, severe viral infection, etc.) also make children more susceptible to viral infections. Furthermore, improper vaccine storage and incorrect vaccination techniques can also reduce the effectiveness of the immunization program.

Apply a cooling pad or potato slices to the injection site.

Many parents share tips about applying cooling compresses or potato slices to the injection site to reduce swelling in children. However, Dr. Nghia advises parents not to do anything to the injection site. The most important thing is to check the expiration date on the vaccine vial before injection. After injection, parents should stay at the medical facility for at least 30 minutes to monitor the child's condition and promptly address any unexpected incidents. If any unusual symptoms appear, parents should consult a medical professional immediately.

According to VN Express