Her Child Nearly Died Because She Skipped a Vaccine By Hafsat Ibrahim
There is nothing more precious than a newborn’s life. From the very first day, proper care, nutrition, and protection against diseases are essential to ensure that a child grows healthy and strong.
Yet, a single lapse in these duties can have devastating consequences—sometimes life-threatening.
I recently witnessed this firsthand at a hospital’s pediatric section. A mother had rushed her infant in for emergency care, and the child was diagnosed with measles.
When the pediatrician asked if the baby had received the nine-month measles vaccination, the mother admitted, “It skipped my mind; I had to travel for a friend’s wedding.”
The room went silent. The gravity of her oversight was immediately clear: her child’s life had been put at risk because one critical vaccination was missed.
Vaccines are more than needles and schedules—they are shields. Preventing disease is far easier and safer than treating illness.
Just as breastfeeding is a natural defense for infants, immunizations provide vital protection against diseases that can be deadly, including measles, tuberculosis, polio, meningitis, tetanus, and more.
These vaccines are readily available at hospitals and health centers, often free of charge, yet neglecting them can cost lives.
The consequences of missing a vaccination go beyond illness. In the case of this baby, admission to the hospital for intensive care became unavoidable, placing emotional and financial strain on the family.
Read Also:
It is a stark reminder that prioritizing social engagements over a child’s health can have catastrophic outcomes.
Vaccination is not optional; it is an imperative. From birth, children must receive scheduled immunizations, including B.C.G. for tuberculosis, Hepatitis B, Polio, Measles, Penta, Yellow Fever, and Meningitis, among others.
These vaccines not only protect the child but also prevent the spread of dangerous diseases in the wider community. Global vaccination campaigns have even eradicated smallpox, highlighting their power and necessity.
Tetanus is another deadly but preventable disease, especially for newborns. It can enter the body through unclean cuts, wounds, or the umbilical cord if not properly cared for.
Vaccination of both mothers and children ensures complete protection and is far easier than treating a life-threatening infection later.
Meningitis, which can affect the brain, and diarrheal illnesses, which can quickly lead to severe dehydration, are additional examples of diseases that vaccination and preventive care protect against.
Timely immunization saves children from unnecessary suffering, hospitalizations, and, in many cases, death. This incident serves as a stark warning: parental vigilance is essential.
Vaccines must be administered on time, every dose completed, and the importance of preventive healthcare never underestimated. Mothers and caregivers must prioritize the health of their children above all else.
A single missed vaccine is not just a lapse; it is a risk to life itself. Awareness, education, and commitment to immunization schedules can prevent tragedy and ensure that children grow safely into healthy adults.
