Children Vaccine Clinic

Smile Children Clinic is proud to provide healthcare solutions to children from common cold to serious infections for over last more than 35 years. At  Vaccination Centre of Smile Children Clinic, we also take vaccinations seriously—and with some humour specially with kids, because we know parenting can be tough enough during vaccine visits to a paediatrician!

As paediatricians, we often face following questions from parents and here we have answers from top child specialist doctor. 

1. Should we give all vaccines to our children? 

Yes, it is must. This is how paediatricians at Children Vaccine Clinic explain (kids!), the way vaccines work! Vaccines are superheroes that train child’s immune system to fight bad germs—measles, whooping cough, chickenpox, brain fever, diarrhoea, rotavirus, pneumonia and many more—without the side-effects of getting sick. And the Indian Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP) now offers protection against twelve diseases. But some vaccines are not included in free vaccination program by government, not because these are not effective, but because of costs, priorities of our country and epidemiological factors. 

As a country, we have made incredible progress. In 2024, India slashed the number of “zero-dose” children—those who haven’t received a single vaccine—from 0.11% in 2023 to just 0.06% in 2024 . That means we vaccinated nearly 700,000 more kids in a year! Our region too—South Asia—hit record-high 92–95% coverage for DTP shots; measles cases dropped by 39%!

2. What about painless vaccines? Are these effective? What’s new in children vaccines?

There are many interesting and remarkable developments in Children Immunisation. Most of  vaccines now are painless and they cause less to none discomfort to child and are equally effective. Many parents carry the misconception that if vaccine is painless then it is less effective. “No pains, no gains” doesn’t apply everywhere! 

3. I heard about painless Vaccine injection machine for children? 

Yes, needle-free injection system is introduced recently. But not many paediatricians are using it at the moment due to time constraints, newer technology yet to be adapted and proven. 

4. Which are vaccines which are not to be given? I mean, Optional vaccines? 

All vaccines are good for children. They protect the child against that deadly disease. That is the primary reason why these were researched, manufactured and rolled out in markets, each step involving huge investment of time, effort and money! These were named optional based on population studies of particular disease’s incidence & prevalence. But from individual standpoint of a particular child, each vaccine is valuable. Like Japanese encephalitis (brain fever) vaccine, Meningococcal Vaccine (vaccine against a life threatening meningitis), cervical cancer vaccine (HPV). These diseases, though somewhat rare, not enough to roll these out by Government for population at  large, imagine a child getting it. For that particular child, it is a matter of life & death or a matter of lifelong disability. Do you now think this vaccine is optional for that particular child? I know, these vaccines are costly but one who can afford, should not view it as an optional!

5. How long can I delay giving a vaccine to my child after scheduled date of vaccination? 

Scheduled date of vaccinations is decided on the basis of age at which the vaccine is to be given, age at which the particular disease is likely to happen and age at which the given vaccine would be effective or cease to be effective. Like vaccine for Rota virus (child diarrhoea vaccine), which is not effective after 105 days of age. But apart from such vaccines which cannot be given after a particular age, one can give vaccines even if these are delayed for various reasons, though the child would obviously be unprotected for that particular time and that particular disease. But as a paediatrician, I would advise you to make vaccination a priority for your child’s health and give it on time. We, at Smile Children clinic in Andheri, Mumbai also help you remind next vaccination date for your child! 

6. I have many doubts around children vaccines regarding its effectiveness, side effects etc. Where should I get that scientific information?    

Ask questions to us if you have any concerns.  Expert and experienced Children specialist doctors at Smile Children Clinic, are happy to chat—no medical jargon, I promise.

7. ⁠I heard a scary story on WhatsApp about vaccines in children? 

 Let’s clarify it. Misinformation can do more harm than illness. Ask us on phone 9226893706 or email us on smilechildrenclinic1989@gmail.com and we would be happy to help! Don’t just believe on (deemed and doomed!) WhatsApp university. 

8. Why choose Smile Children Clinic for vaccinating my kid?

Our paediatricians have more than 35 years of expertise & experience in paediatric infectious disease and vaccination science. We offer friendly atmosphere where parents and kids feel heard (and hopefully tickled). Being expert in Infections in children and science of children vaccines, we are on our toes for up-to-date practice, we follow all Government of India and WHO/UNICEF guidelines and incorporate new innovations and most importantly, we follow strict cold chain management to preserve the efficacy of vaccines. So you can be rest assured of the quality of vaccines. 

9. Anything more, as a parent in areas nearby Smile children clinic- in Andheri, Vile Parle, Jogeshwari, Juhu & Santacruz, should I know about vaccination in Children? 

Vaccinations are safe, essential, and evolving. India is making huge progress, but the journey isn’t over. We as responsible citizens of India and as concerned parents, should support immunization drive. We should also vaccinate our kids on any national dates of vaccination and any mop up round our Government undertakes. At Smile Children Clinic, Dr Narendra Rathi, our Chief Consultant Paediatrician, is here to make sure your child gets the best start—without the drama. Vaccines protect your child—and our community. And sometimes, they even make you chuckle.

10. Any resources for me?

Yes, please watch our video on cervical cancer vaccine: 

11. I heard vaccines are important for parents and grandparents too? 

You heard it right and we congratulate you for touching one of the most important health intervention for adults and aged! These are super important for all of us. Please watch our video on the same. 

Also read our blog on Adult Vaccination.