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By Dr. Shatarupa Mukherjee
Consultant – Paediatric Cardiology, CK Birla Hospitals- BM Birla Heart Hospital
For children suffering from congenital heart disease, infection becomes more than just another childhood illness. The heart condition they are living with puts them at higher risk for bouts of both bacterial as well as viral infections, and it can be challenging to treat any complications that develop due to these infections, such as pneumonia. For this reason, it is critical that any children receiving treatment for heart disease remain current with vaccinations.
The first step is to ensure the child has received the appropriate vaccinations as specified in the Government of India’s vaccination guidelines. Depending on the patient’s condition and under doctor’s advice, also some optional vaccinations can be recommended for patients with heart diseases.
One of the vaccinations that should be addressed is the pneumococcal vaccine. This vaccine is important for children with congenital heart disease, as such children tend to be more prone to pneumonia due to pneumococcus infection.
Vaccination for Haemophilus influenzae type B, in conjunction with the rest of vaccines, is critical. According to the age and health of the child, the doctor might also prescribe vaccines like influenza vaccine, hepatitis A vaccine or chickenpox vaccine.
The vaccination timing is also significant. Children should adhere to the schedule, starting from birth and getting vaccinated again when they reach the age of 6, 10 and 14 weeks. The influenza vaccine can be given after 6 months of the child’s birth and should ideally be taken every year. The remaining vaccines, like hepatitis A and chickenpox vaccines, can be given later according to the vaccination schedule and individual child’s need.
Parents also need to be aware of the fact that common cough or cold should not be the sole reason for postponing vaccination since children facing congenital heart disease may experience respiratory problems very often and delay can lead to longer period of vulnerability to infections.
Nevertheless, decisions concerning vaccination should always be made individually. Parents should consider discussing optional vaccinations as well as when it would be appropriate with their child’s pediatrician or cardiologist, especially if the child is unwell or has recently undergone heart surgery.
The point is clear: having a heart problem is not a barrier to routine vaccinations; in fact, it may be even more important to protect these children against diseases that can be prevented. Keeping the vaccinations up to date, together with good hygiene and regular check-ups, helps to avoid diseases and ensures the health of children.
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