Prevention is always better than cure. Small-pox, diphtheria, whooping cough, tetanus (lockjaw), cholera, typhoid, tuberculosis, plague and poliomyelitis can all be prevented by the use of suitable injections.

Small-pox vaccine

It is best to vaccinate baby before the age of three months. Most babies can be successfully vaccinated at birth. If the vaccine is not taken they may have antibodies in their blood derived from the mother's blood before birth. These antibodies temporarily protect the baby. However, soon these are removed from the blood and the baby is left unprotected. Should the vaccine fall to take, repeat vaccination every three to four weeks till it takes, then alone is the baby fully protected. Revaccinate every three years to five years. During an epidemic, vaccinate once every year. Have the vaccination done preferably on the left arm. Keep the arm dry for two weeks. (Till the scabs dry and fall off). This will prevent festering and decrease reaction and fever.

Measles

Immunisation against measles is necessary. Facilities for this may be available. Once does given after the age of 1 may protect the baby for a number of years.

Diphtheria, whooping cough and tetanus

The child can be protected against these three diseases either by giving three injections separately or by the use of a combined (triple) vaccine. The triple vaccine is preferable and may be given after the baby is three months old. A booster does is necessary when the child is three years old, and another when the baby completes five years.

Tuberculosis

Prevent your baby from contact with TB patients and persons suspected of having tuberculosis. An injection of BCG vaccine can protect your baby against TB. This can be given at any age, preferably at birth.

Cholera, typhoid and plague

Injections to product your child against these diseases need not be given as a routine. However every school-going child should receive vaccine against typhoid and paratyphoid every year.

Poliomyelitis

The dreaded disease of poliomyelitis can be prevented.

The oral vaccine (Sabin) is now freely available almost all over India. It is given in three doses at intervals of six weeks, starting at the age of three months. This is a vaccine made from live virus and therefore the immunity lasts longer. A booster dose may be given at three and five years, and again at ten years. The vaccine may be give a simultaneously with triple vaccine.