The importance of vaccinations
National Immunisation Awareness Week starts on Wednesday, aiming to inform people that in a country like South Africa, with many over-populated and poverty-stricken areas, infection and disease can rapidly reach epidemic proportions, hence the importance of immunisations.
According to a statement by a health organisation, many vaccinations are given to children under 11 years, and only need to be given once. Therefore, it is imperative that parents ensure that their children get their vaccinations against common and deadly childhood viruses to protect them.
"Some people argue that it is best for children to be allowed to contract a disease and develop a natural immunity.
"The problem is that without access to top-notch medical care, children infected run the risk of far worse complications," the statement said.
The statement admitted that no vaccine was totally without side-effects, but these were far less serious than the complications with natural infections.
Timely immunisation in South Africa was of utmost importance as 70 percent of haemophilus influenza-type B diseases, like pneumonia and meningitis, occur in children under the age of one, with one out of 11 dying. Meningitis peaks in babies aged between seven and 12 months, emphasising the importance of vaccines as soon as possible after birth.
Immunisation is very effective in preventing and reducing the impact of serious illness. Some diseases like smallpox have been completely wiped out. Others like polio and measles, may also soon be destroyed, if people are vaccinated in time.
The most common vaccines for children up to 10 years are pneumococcal, rotavirus, diphtheria, tetanus and peruses, hepatitis B, polio, measles, mumps, rubella and meningitis.
However, adult immunisation is just as important, especially for those in "risk groups".
These include pneumococcal vaccines for those over 65, especially those suffering chronic chest problems.
The flu vaccine is also recommended annually for everyone, again particularly those over 65.
According to a statement by a health organisation, many vaccinations are given to children under 11 years, and only need to be given once. Therefore, it is imperative that parents ensure that their children get their vaccinations against common and deadly childhood viruses to protect them.
"Some people argue that it is best for children to be allowed to contract a disease and develop a natural immunity.
"The problem is that without access to top-notch medical care, children infected run the risk of far worse complications," the statement said.
The statement admitted that no vaccine was totally without side-effects, but these were far less serious than the complications with natural infections.
Timely immunisation in South Africa was of utmost importance as 70 percent of haemophilus influenza-type B diseases, like pneumonia and meningitis, occur in children under the age of one, with one out of 11 dying. Meningitis peaks in babies aged between seven and 12 months, emphasising the importance of vaccines as soon as possible after birth.
Immunisation is very effective in preventing and reducing the impact of serious illness. Some diseases like smallpox have been completely wiped out. Others like polio and measles, may also soon be destroyed, if people are vaccinated in time.
The most common vaccines for children up to 10 years are pneumococcal, rotavirus, diphtheria, tetanus and peruses, hepatitis B, polio, measles, mumps, rubella and meningitis.
However, adult immunisation is just as important, especially for those in "risk groups".
These include pneumococcal vaccines for those over 65, especially those suffering chronic chest problems.
The flu vaccine is also recommended annually for everyone, again particularly those over 65.
Other Issues of the Week
Pampers settles suit with parents by offering $1000 voucher
June 2011 - Procter & Gamble has agreed to settle a class-action lawsuit over its Pampers Dry Max diapers, which ...
Potty Training
Trouble with potty training isn't always about their stubbornness, says this mom. ...
What you eat affects your foetus
Eating lots of vegetables and fruits during pregnancy may lower the chance of having a baby with certain ...
Babies' brains have to play catch up
New York - The lack of a fully formed prefrontal cortex - the section of the brain that keeps an adult "on ...
Broody?
Life has changed so much compared to 50 years ago. People are busy and priorities have changed. Couples marry later in ...
Visit 
Quayside 906, Durban beachfront accommodation next to Ushaka marine world and 
9B on Innes, Bloemfontein Accommodation.
