37. Why should I bring my child for immunisation when it takes so much of my time?

• We are sorry that sometimes it has taken long to have your child immunised.
• You did the right thing by staying until your child could be seen, and he/she will be better protected from disease because you did.
• It may seem like a long time to wait for your child to be vaccinated, but if your child were to fall ill from one of the vaccine-preventable diseases, you would have to spend much more time and resources getting care for them.
• If true, say: If you bring the child later in the day, there will be a much shorter wait.
• If true, say: We are working to reduce waiting times and hope you will see a difference next time.

• Explain any official immunisation-related costs and say that caregivers should not have to pay any “unofficial” costs.
• Emphasise that despite costs, having a child protected from vaccine preventable disease is priceless.
• Reiterate the benefits of immunisation.
• If appropriate, help the caregiver identify resources for the vaccine-related expenses.
• In settings where vaccination does not involve any cost, tell the mother that it is provided free of cost by the government.

39. I lost my child’s immunization card. Can s/he still be immunised?

• Yes, and I am very glad you have asked.
• If this is true, say: Just tell a health worker that the card is lost, and they will give you a new one free of charge. Please keep the card in a safe place and always bring it when the child is going to see a health worker.
• The card is important for you and the health worker to know for sure what vaccines your child has had or needs.