Immunisation

Kalafhi Medical Centre | Tuesday September 12, 2023 06:00

What is immunisation? The process by which an individual’s immune system becomes fortified against an infectious agent through administration of a vaccine. What are the benefits? Immunisation is a way of protecting against serious diseases. Once we've been immunised, our bodies are better able to fight these diseases if we come into contact with them.

Why should I take my child for vaccination? Vaccination is very safe and effective. Vaccines are only given to children after a long and careful review by scientists, doctors, and healthcare professionals. Vaccines will involve some discomfort and may cause pain, redness or tenderness at the site of injection and or fever, but this is minor compared to the pain, discomfort, and trauma of the diseases these vaccines prevent.

Serious side effects following vaccination, such as severe allergic reaction, are very rare. The disease-prevention benefits of getting vaccines are much greater than the possible side effects for almost all children. Immunisation protects future generations. Vaccines have reduced and, in some cases, eliminated many diseases that killed or severely disabled people just a few generations ago.

For example, smallpox vaccination eradicated that disease worldwide. Your children don't have to get smallpox shots anymore because the disease no longer exists. By vaccinating children against rubella (German measles), the risk that pregnant women will pass this virus on to their fetus or newborn has been dramatically decreased. If we continue vaccinating now, and vaccinating completely, parents in the future may be able to trust that some diseases of today will no longer be around to harm their children in the future. Routine baby vaccination Botswana government in conjunction with the Ministry of Health has put into place a schedule for immunisation in childhood, to ensure that children born are protected from birth.

The process starts at birth when newborns are vaccinated against Hepatitis B and with the BCG vaccine. At 2 months they are given, Pneumococcal, Oral polio, Pentavalent and Rota-virus vaccines. At 3 months Pneumococcal, Oral polio, Pentavalent and Rota virus vaccines respectively At 4 months Pneumococcal, Inactivated polio, Oral polio and pentavalent vaccines respectively.

At 9 months Measles Rubella Vaccine, rubella (German measles) At 18 months Booster doses of Measles Rubella, Oral Polio and Diphtheria Tetanus vaccines respectively.

Take note that there are special vaccination campaigns that are done to boost immunity for children in the event of an outbreak of disease that can affect children, example is the special polio campaign that was done in March/April 2023 to protect children against the polio virus.

What must you do? Ensure that your child is up to date with their routine immunisations and they do not miss any special campaign vaccines. Protect your health and your child’s health, because your health matters!