Business Entrepreneur.- 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 immunization, largely due to constraints caused by Covid-19 and its impact on health systems, UNICEF said.
To reverse this, a nationwide vaccination campaign is being launched so that parents can vaccinate their children against 28 preventable diseases such as Hepatitis B, Diphtheria, Tetanus, Whooping Cough, Pneumonia, Meningitis, Spinal Cord Polio, measles, 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 are considered at risk for most diseases, therefore; vaccination is important in the first few years of life.
Vaccines have successfully reduced mortality from many diseases. But you shouldn’t let your guard down, according to the latest figures from UNICEF, which says: “A gradual decline in pneumococcal vaccine coverage was observed, with nearly 160,000 boys and girls under-vaccinated at 12 months of age, creating a risk of fatal disease.”
Pediatrician Adriana Tejerina commented: “Another example is meningococcal meningitis, a disease that kills 70-90% of children. Thanks to vaccinations, this number has been reduced to 15-20%. In addition, vaccination reduces the likelihood of neurological sequelae such as deafness.“.
He also added 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 imperative to go to the nearest health center or vaccination site to complete pending immunizations..
In this regard, Dr. Lara Mustapic, a Peruvian medical scientist at Haleon, pointed out: “As a parent, you always want the best for your child and seek to protect him, for example, using baby seats in the car, protecting stairs, plugs, sheltering him when it’s cold, etc. But one of the most important and simplest cares for their health is to help boost their immune systems through vaccinations.
Furthermore, he added: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.“.
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.
Don’t hesitate to get your child vaccinated. 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 concludes: “Each vaccine has been researched and evaluated for many years, meets strict scrutiny, and ensures sufficient safety and effectiveness. It is always important to consult your pediatrician if you have any doubts, as he can provide you with reliable information and the best advice regarding your child’s health.“.