CHILD IMMUNISATION

Most diseases are infectious, they can be passed on from one person to another. Scientists study the structure, mode of life and life cycle of organisms responsible for transmitting diseases. They also study the method of transmission of diseases. These studies helps scientists to work out ways of preventing the spread of these diseases and of protecting people from contracting them, one method of preventing diseases is immunisation. 
    Immunisation is a method of preventing diseases by injecting or taking into the body specially treated disease causing organisms or their products. When such materials enter the human body, the body reacts as if the disease causing microbes are actually present, but the person does not fall ill. The body produces substances called antibodies destroy the disease causing microbes or their harmful products. Excess antibodies remain in the blood and if the individual comes in contact with any of the given diseases organisms, the antibodies stop the disease from developing. Children are usually immunized against seven diseases that commonly cause preventable death. These are poliomyelitis, measles, tuberculosis, tetanus, yellow fever, whooping cough and diphtheria.
    Vaccination inoculation and immunisation may be used to mean the same thing. Experts, however, make a clear distinction between them. Vaccination involves making some cuts on the skin with a sharp knife or razor before introducing the treated, weakened disease organisms through the cuts. Inoculation usually involves injecting the treated organisms into the body. Immunisation covers all method of introducing treated weakened, disease causing organisms into the body, including introduction by mouth. Immunisation of the child start during the pregnancy. The mother is to be given tetanus vaccine at the antenatal center.