Every winter, hospitals across Bangladesh see a rise in the number of young children suffering from cold-related illnesses. Among these, pneumonia and influenza are two of the most common and concerning diseases. While both are seasonal, doctors say they are also largely preventable—especially through routine childhood vaccinations. 

At the outdoor section of Government Unani and Ayurvedic Medical College and Hospital in Mirpur-13, Senior Medical Officer Dr. Md. Shazzadul Alam has been treating many children this winter with symptoms like fever, cough, and cold. “A number of minor children with cold-related complications are coming to the hospital every day with the onset of the winter,” he shared. Children between the ages of one and five are particularly vulnerable.

Dr. Sazzadul explained that children often suffer from illnesses such as pneumonia, bronchitis, influenza, throat pain, and diarrhea during the winter. However, what worries him most is pneumonia, which can become severe if not prevented early. “It is possible to protect children from many diseases, and in some cases, preventive measures can be taken so that children don’t become weak after suffering from them,” he said. Among those measures, vaccination plays a key role.

According to UNICEF’s report Fighting for Breath in Bangladesh, over 12,000 children died of pneumonia in 2018, despite it being both preventable and curable. This underscores the need for early and complete childhood immunisation—especially in winter, when the risks are higher.

Dr. Sazzadul advocates for the proper and timely administration of routine vaccines such as BCG, DPT, and the Pentavalent vaccine, which protect children from tuberculosis, diphtheria, whooping cough, tetanus, hepatitis B, and Haemophilus influenzae type B (a common cause of childhood pneumonia). “Vaccination can protect children from these diseases before they become sick,” he said. 

His advice aligns with the national goal of increasing immunisation equity in Bangladesh. Through the work of the Country Learning Hub (CLH) for Immunisation Equity, organisations across the country are working together to reduce the number of zero-dose and under-immunised children—those who have not received any or full doses of routine vaccines. 

Dr. Sazzadul also noted that parents should focus on preventive care during winter. Simple measures like avoiding long journeys with children, keeping them away from cold early in the morning and evening, using warm clothes, and avoiding crowded places can protect their health. Still, he believes vaccination is the most reliable way to reduce severe cases of pneumonia and other winter-related diseases. 

With coordinated efforts from health workers, parents, and national programmes, Bangladesh is on the right path to ensure that all children—especially those in underserved communities—receive the protection they deserve through vaccines. 

In a country where winter often brings health risks for children, vaccines are one of the strongest tools to keep them safe and healthy. As Dr. Sazzadul puts it: “It’s not just about treating illness when it happens. It’s about making sure children don’t fall sick in the first place.” 

References: 

Physicians for special care to protect children from cold diseases [Internet]. BSS. [cited 2025 Apr 16]. Available from: https://www.bssnews.net/news/238093