PETALING JAYA: When teacher TC Lim’s son contracted hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) several years ago, watching him endure the contagious illness was heartbreaking.
“The discomfort and blisters can make kids suffer in pain, and for younger children, it can be unbearable,” said the 38-year-old.
With HFMD outbreaks recurring cyclically, Lim believes an effective vaccine is long overdue – and one she would willingly pay for.
According to the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website, the disease is common among children below the age of five, though just about anyone could get it.
“HFMD is a common illness that usually causes fever, mouth sores, and skin rash. It can spread quickly in schools and daycare centres. Most people get better on their own in seven to 10 days,” CDC said.
It stated that there is no vaccine in the United States to protect against HFMD.
Prevention includes frequent hand washing and disinfecting commonly used surfaces and shared items like toys and door knobs.
Housewife M. Kalyani, 40, said she would not mind spending money to get her two children, aged five and six, vaccinated, as there had been outbreaks in their kindergarten.
“There was once an outbreak at my daughter’s school. Classes had to be called off,” she added.
“It is better to get them protected, as it is difficult to get kids to observe precautionary measures. As parents, we get worried when the children go to school and there is an outbreak.”
“They may still contract the virus, but at least it may not be as severe.”
A content writer, who only wants to be known as Nuralia, said she is not keen on having her son vaccinated against the virus, as he had already completed the basic vaccinations required under the National Immunisation Programme.
