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Why Monsoon Is Not The Time To Skip Childhood Vaccinations? Expert Weighs In
"Rainy weather should never become a reason to postpone routine immunisation," says Dr Tushar Parikh, Senior Consultant Neonatologist & Paediatrician, Motherhood Hospital, Kharadi, Pune.
Yet every rainy season, appointments slip. Coughs, colds, viral fevers, stomach infections and mosquito-borne diseases rise with the rain, and for many families, childhood vaccinations quietly get pushed back. The child has the sniffles. The roads are flooded. Or there is a worry that the jab itself will make the little one unwell.
Paediatricians say the delay is the bigger risk. According to Dr Parikh, keeping vaccinations on schedule is "one of the best ways to protect children from serious and preventable diseases, especially during the monsoon when infections are more common."
The Cold That Doesn't Count
A runny nose is the most common excuse for a postponed appointment. It is also the most misunderstood.
"In most cases, mild illnesses are not a reason to postpone routine vaccines," Dr Parikh explained. The exception is a child with moderate or severe illness, and even then, he stressed, "this decision should always be made by a doctor."
The reason for the caution is simple. "Delaying vaccines without medical advice can create gaps in immunity and increase the risk of preventable diseases."
What Vaccines Can, And Cannot, Do
Vaccines will not stop a seasonal cold. What they do is protect against infections that can turn life-threatening: measles, diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), polio, hepatitis B and pneumococcal disease.
The stakes are national as well as personal. India cut its number of "zero-dose" children, those who receive no vaccine in their first year, from 909,000 in 2024 to 679,000 in 2025, according to the latest WHO-UNICEF estimates. Gains like that hold only when families keep showing up for the next dose.
As for side effects, Dr Parikh said, "Mild pain at the injection site, slight fever or irritability after vaccination are common and temporary signs that the immune system is responding."
Five Shots That Matter More In The Rains
Beyond the routine schedule, Dr Parikh pointed to vaccines particularly relevant during the season, as recommended in the IAP schedule:
- Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV): Given at 6, 10 and 14 weeks, with a booster between 12 and 15 months. It protects against severe pneumonia and meningitis.
- Rotavirus vaccine: Given during the first 6-8 months, depending on the vaccine used. It helps prevent severe diarrhoea and dehydration, both more common in the rains.
- Measles-containing vaccine (MR/MMR): Due from 9 months onwards. Globally, 19 million children missed their first measles dose in 2025, according to UNICEF, and high coverage is what keeps outbreaks at bay.
- Influenza vaccine: Recommended annually for children aged 6 months and older, before or during the monsoon. Dr Parikh noted that his hospital is currently seeing a surge in influenza cases.
- Typhoid conjugate vaccine (TCV): Recommended from 6 months. Typhoid spreads through contaminated food and water, and tends to climb in the rainy season.
Small Habits That Work Alongside The Jab
Vaccination is one layer of protection, not the only one. "Good hygiene, healthy eating, and vaccination work together," Dr Parikh said. His checklist for parents:
- Carry your child's vaccination record to every medical visit.
- Call the paediatrician before the appointment if your child has a high fever or is seriously ill.
- Encourage regular handwashing.
- Use nets, repellents and full-sleeved clothing against mosquito bites.
- Give children clean water and freshly prepared, nutritious food.
Bottomline
The rain will pass, and so will the cough. A missed dose does not always catch up as quietly. "Never miss follow-up vaccine doses, as every dose is important for complete protection," Dr Parikh said. Unless the doctor says otherwise, the appointment stands.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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