A Survey on Vaccination Status of Slum-Dwelling Children in Dhaka City

Abstract

Immunizations, also called vaccinations or inoculations, protect children against more than a dozen serious diseases that can cause severe illness, lifelong disabilities, or even death. The best time to immunize children is when they are young. This is because most of the diseases for which vaccinations are available are more common and cause more severe complications in young children. Children who are not immunized until they are older are at increased risk for exposure to disease without protection. Immunizations work by introducing microorganisms (e.g; bacteria, virus) into the immune system, usually through an injection (shot). The immune system attacks the bacteria or virus, produces antibodies to prevent infection, and learns to recognize the bacteria or virus again if the child is exposed in the future. Some vaccinations, such as those for measles or hepatitis B, provide lifelong immunity (protection from disease) and others, like tetanus or pertussis (whooping cough) must be periodically re-administered (called booster shots). Parents and caregivers should keep an accurate record of their child's immunizations so they know when he or she is due for a booster shot.