April 25, 2024 is the 38th National Children's Vaccination Day in China. Ensuring that every child can enjoy free vaccination services under the National Immunization Program is not only a requirement of laws and regulations, but also a right that every child should enjoy.



What preparations should be made before vaccinating children? What if vaccination is delayed? Xinhua News Agency reporter connected with experts from Beijing Children's Hospital affiliated with Capital Medical University to answer parents' questions.



Question 1: Some parents are wondering why babies need to receive more vaccines now?





Dr. Du Juan, attending physician at the Health Center of Beijing Children's Hospital: With the progress of the times and the improvement of medical level, compared with the previous generation's childhood, there are now more safe and effective vaccines, so babies are recommended to receive more vaccines. For a child's health, this is a wealth. Meanwhile, with the development and use of more combination vaccines, the number of vaccine doses required for children is expected to further decrease.



Question 2: What preparations should parents make before vaccinating their children?



Du Juan: Parents should make the following preparations, including preparing vaccination notebooks; Take a shower one day in advance, let the child rest well, and keep the skin at the vaccination site clean; Do not give children indigestible food; Wear loose and easy to take off clothes for children; Sort out and inform the doctor of the child's past medical history, medication history, allergy history, recent illness, other vaccinations received, and any discomfort after the last vaccination, so that the doctor can understand the contraindications for vaccination; Carefully read the informed consent form for vaccination and keep the copy after signing.



Three questions: Is it okay not to vaccinate a child who is currently in good health and worried about reactions after vaccination?



Wei Zhuang, Deputy Chief Physician of the Health Center of Beijing Children's Hospital: After vaccination, a small number of children may experience mild adverse reactions such as local pain, redness, and swelling, which can usually be relieved on their own. In contrast, not getting vaccinated may put children at a higher risk of infection and pose a more serious health threat.



Therefore, compared to the health risks that natural infections of diseases may bring, vaccination is a safe and effective way to prevent diseases. We recommend timely vaccination of children.



Question 4: What if a child delays vaccination? Can I continue receiving vaccinations?



Wei Zhuang: If a child fails to complete the recommended age for vaccination according to the national immunization plan due to certain reasons, the vaccine that was not administered in a timely manner can be re administered.



The overall principle of vaccine re vaccination is to complete the re vaccination as soon as possible, complete the full vaccination process as soon as possible, and prioritize ensuring the full vaccination of the National Immunization Program vaccine. Just reseed the unfinished doses without starting the entire vaccination process again.

Question 5: What is the second type of vaccine and how do I get it?



Ji Wenjing, Deputy Chief Physician of the Health Center of Beijing Children's Hospital: The second type of vaccine, also known as non immunization plan vaccines, generally refers to other vaccines that are not included in the national immunization plan, are self funded and voluntarily administered by citizens. Parents can choose whether to receive such vaccines, such as chickenpox vaccine, pneumococcal vaccine, etc., based on their children's physical health needs.



Six questions: Do flu vaccines need to be administered every year?



Shen Ruiyun, Deputy Chief Physician of the Health Center of Beijing Children's Hospital: Getting vaccinated against influenza is the most effective way to prevent influenza, which can reduce the risk of influenza and serious complications for vaccinated individuals. Due to the susceptibility of influenza viruses to mutations, the annual influenza vaccine may vary, and the immunity produced by vaccination gradually weakens over time. Therefore, it is recommended to vaccinate annually.



Children aged 6 months to 5 years old, pregnant women, family members of children under 6 months old, and caregivers are all key populations for influenza vaccination. Antibodies are produced about 2 weeks after influenza vaccination, and it is recommended to complete the vaccination before the flu season.



Seven questions: Can children get vaccinated against eczema and allergic diseases?



Shen Ruiyun: If it is known that there is an allergy to a certain vaccine ingredient or if there has been an allergic reaction to the vaccine in the past, vaccination with the relevant vaccine should be prohibited. Other allergic conditions should not be vaccinated during the acute attack period, and vaccination must wait until the remission period, relative stability period, or recovery period.



Children with eczema can be vaccinated, but it is recommended to avoid getting vaccinated in the affected area. If it is not possible to avoid getting vaccinated, it is recommended to postpone the vaccination. It is recommended to temporarily postpone vaccination for children with severe and diffuse eczema throughout the body.



Each child has different allergic conditions, and vaccination should be arranged after seeking advice from specialist doctors and children's immunization planners.