Is Your Baby’s Immunization Safe? Vaccine Myths, Side Effects, and Facts Parents Need

Confused about your baby's immunization? Get expert answers on painless vaccines, flu shots, side effects, and more from Vinit Garg, CEO of Mylo, trusted by 2.5M parents.

Keeping your baby's immunization schedule on track can feel like navigating a maze of medical jargon, conflicting advice, and persistent myths. From questions about the efficacy of "painless" shots to worries over vaccine side effects and whether government hospitals offer the same quality as private clinics, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. To help clear the confusion, Vinit Garg, Founder and CEO of Mylo a community trusted by over 2.5 million parents shares expert insights on the most common vaccine concerns. In this guide, you'll find straightforward answers on everything from DaPT efficacy and post-vaccine fevers to the importance of the annual flu jab and the role of HPV immunization. Read on to separate fact from fiction and make informed decisions for your child's health.

"I heard painless vaccines don't work as well, but I hate seeing my baby cry during shots."

While no vaccine is 100% effective, the painless vaccine is as effective as the traditional vaccination. Painless vaccination is also known as the DaPT vaccine. This combination vaccine gives three immunizations (diphtheria, acellular pertussis (whooping cough), and tetanus) in one shot - making it easier to keep the child up-to-date on their vaccinations. It's formulated with less antigen than traditional vaccinations, allowing it to be given in smaller doses that are virtually painless. The only drawback of painless vaccinations is that they are more expensive, almost 2x compared to traditional vaccines.

"My mother-in-law says private clinics are better, but they're so expensive. Will my baby get the same quality vaccines at the government hospital?"

Although free of cost, the quality of vaccines in government facilities is the same as in private facilities. However, government hospitals only vaccinate against 11 preventable diseases (Measles, Hepatitis-B, MMR, Typhoid, Tetanus, Polio, Diphtheria, Pertussis, T.B., H.influenzae-B, vitamin-A) as per the Universal Programme for Immunization. At private facilities, there might be a wider selection of vaccines available. For instance, the HPV vaccine might not be available at government facilities but is integral to take as it reduces the chances of getting cervical cancer.

"My baby has a fever after vaccination - should I be worried?"

Fever is a common side effect of vaccination. It's normal to be worried however, in most cases, the fever will pass itself. Giving fluids is helpful. Parents should not give fever medication before the vaccine shot and should ask the vaccine provider what to give the child if a fever develops.

"Does my baby really need the flu vaccine and if yes, how often?"

Yes, after 6 months of age, every child should get the flu vaccine annually. Flu is caused by the influenza virus and is very contagious. Flu season in India starts post-monsoon and continues during the winter months. It is best to get the vaccine early in the flu season, by October. Babies above the age of 2 can take the nasal spray modality too.