What Are The Benefits And Risks Of Skipping Vaccines In Children?

Posted on Wed, 20 Nov 2013

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 20 Nov 2013 Answered on

Wed, 11 Dec 2013 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi my daughter is 5.5 months old. I would like to know if she can skip some of the vaccines the standard ones. What are the benefits and risks? Thanks

Answered by Dr. Venkata Subrahmanaym Mukkavilli (13 hours later)

Brief Answer: Yes, you can skip some of the standard vaccines. Detailed Answer: Hi, Thank you for asking question on health care magic. You can skip infuenza vaccine at present and it may be given at a latter date as the immunity is short lived and you have to give the Flu shots every year. Other vaccines like Hepatitis B, Rota virus,Hib, DTaP, IPV and PCV can not be missed. At best you may miss RV as the diarrhoea caused by this virus is self limited provided you take care of dehydration. Other vaccines prevent life threatening diseases like meningitis, invasive pulmonary infection,diphtheria, tetanus and liver disease. Hope this answer will serve your purpose Please feel free to ask any more queries if required Take care Dr.M.V.Subrahmanyam MD;DCH Associate professor of pediatrics

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E