The rhythm of children’s vaccination in China in recent years | Lime

Demographic and Health Survey data show that the percentage of boys and girls under 36 months of age who have completed cohort vaccinations will drop to 55.9% in 2022, a considerable drop from 60.7% in 2019. 2022 National Institute of Statistics and Informatics (INEI).

This setback is in line with what has been documented globally. Over the past three years, the world has lost more than a decade of progress in childhood vaccinations due to the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on health systems, according to UNICEF.

To reverse this, vaccination campaigns are being launched across the country so that parents can vaccinate their children against 28 infectious diseases including hepatitis B, diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, pneumonia, meningitis, polio, measles and more. Prevent diseases, mumps, rubella, etc.

Vaccination is the most effective public health strategy for reducing morbidity and mortality among high-risk populations; in this case, children. A child’s immune system does not develop until at least 5 years old. Children under 6 months of age are considered at high risk for most diseases, so it is important to get vaccinated in the first few years of life.

Vaccines have successfully reduced the death rate from many diseases, but people should not let their guard down. According to the latest figures from UNICEF, “a gradual decline in pneumococcal vaccine coverage can be observed, with nearly 160,000 boys and girls not adequately vaccinated by 12 months of age, creating a risk of fatal disease”.

Pediatrician Adriana Tejerina comments: “Another example is meningococcal meningitis, a disease that kills 70-90% of children. This figure has been reduced to 15-20% thanks to vaccination. Furthermore, vaccination It can also reduce the possibility of neurological sequelae such as deafness.

He also noted that many years ago, before vaccinations, polio was a deadly disease or paralyzed many children infected with the virus around the world. According to UNICEF, in 1988, as a result of these campaigns, cases of polio could have been reduced by 99 percent, and some even believe polio will be eradicated. However, outbreaks continue to this day due to barriers to vaccination and deficiencies in the health system.

To eliminate diseases such as measles, polio, tetanus, congenital rubella and diphtheria, the World Health Organization recommends at least 90% vaccination coverage for children under 2 years of age. Therefore, it is necessary to go to the nearest health center or vaccination point in order to complete the pending immunizations.

In response, Dr. Lara Mustapic, medical scientist at Haleon Peru, said: “As a parent, you always want the best for your child and seek to protect him, such as using a baby seat in a car. , protecting stairs, plugs, providing shelter when it’s cold, etc., but one of the most important and easiest cares for their health is to help boost their immune system through vaccinations.”

“Vaccination is one of the most life-saving public health actions. Thanks to vaccines, we hardly see serious or even deadly diseases like polio, tetanus or whooping cough today,” he added.

How to prepare your child for vaccinations

Vaccinations don’t have to be traumatic for kids if respectful strategies are adopted from an early age. Respect for children is a right, empathy is an obligation. For example, depending on age, distractions such as balloons and bubbles can be used; as well as providing a comfortable and safe position.

Depending on the age of the child, tell them that they will be vaccinated and explain why and why it is important. Avoid lying to them about the pain of the piercing, and instead explain to them that the discomfort will be temporary but will benefit their development.

Do not be alarmed if your child develops a mild fever or general malaise after vaccination, it is very common. In this case, to relieve his symptoms, you can give him pain relievers such as Panadol Pediatric. Dosage will vary according to the minor’s weight and must be precise. In addition, if a fever occurs, it is recommended to wear light clothes, keep the room cool, and give him a warm bath, which will help reduce the fever.

Injected vaccines create antibodies (defenses) that protect against infectious diseases. Go to the nearest medical facility, if you miss a dose you can still make it up. No need to restart calendars, just keep working on pending calendars.

In this sense, Dr. Lara Mustapek concluded: “Each vaccine has been studied and evaluated for many years, meets rigorous scrutiny, and ensures sufficient safety and efficacy. If in doubt, consult Your pediatrician is always important as he can provide you with reliable information and the best advice about your child’s health.”