Andhra Pradesh: Toddlers miss vaccinations, experts warn of outbreaks

VISAKHAPATNAM: Paediatricians across AP are being flooded with calls from worried parents as toddlers miss their scheduled vaccinations due to the lockdown.


Experts warn that delays may lead to the

outbreak

of preventable diseases in the later part of the year.

Mother of a 17-month-old girl, Padma (name changed) is looking for a paediatrician who can administer Varicella,

vaccine

for chicken pox, to her daughter. “The vaccine was due in April. The doctor who administered the previous

vaccines

has shut his clinic. When I called, he said he will not open the clinic till the lockdown is officially lifted,” Padma said.

Karuna (name changed) from Seethammadhara is also worried as her 10-month-old daughter is yet to get the MMR-I vaccine, for protection against measles, mumps and rubella. The vaccine was due in April.

Consultant paediatrician in Vizianagaram Dr Srikant said that rural patients are unable to come to town for medical advice due to travel restrictions.

“Any disruption in the

vaccination schedule

will result in rise in susceptible individuals and increased chances of an outbreak of preventable diseases,” city-based paediatrician Dr Kandula Radha Krishna said

“Vaccines for influenza and pneumonia also should not be delayed as weak lungs will make a baby more vulnerable to Covid-19,” he added.

“Kids must receive primary vaccines like BCG and OPV before leaving the hospital. These ward off

rotavirus

, whooping cough, tetanus and polio. Vaccines like triple antigen and polio, due in the first few months, are also needed,” said senior paediatrician Dr Ch Vishnumurthy.