Q: My grandson is born with Down's syndrome, but all his physical features are normal. His routine vaccination is being carried out. The doctor has prescribed Rotarix and Prevnar vaccine as a preventive measure. Are these injections necessary? Is it a routine vaccination or specially given to children born with Down's syndrome?

A:These are newer vaccines, which prevent from one form of diarrhoea (Rotarix) and pneumonia (Prevnar). As these are new, these are fairly expensive. These vaccines are prescribed in non-diseased newborns also and are not specifically recommended for Down’s syndrome. If you can easily afford these vaccines, then get your grandchild inoculated else do not lose any sleep over it.