Some childhood diseases seem to rear their ugly heads just as summer has arrived. Fortunately immunisations are available to prevent these illnesses − the more children immunised, the less the chance of an outbreak.

The importance of having your child immunised against childhood disease should never be underestimated. It doesn’t just protect your child − it also protects other children and the wider community against the spread of infectious disease.

Why is vaccination important?

Vaccination protects children from certain infectious diseases and also prevent the spread of these infectious diseases within communities. Some sources claim as many as three million deaths are prevented globally every year because of effective immunisation.

What do children get vaccinated against?

The immunisation schedule of the South African Department of Health follows the recommendations of the World Health Organisation (WHO), which prescribes immunisations against polio, tuberculosis, diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, hepatitis B, haemophilus influenzae type B and measles. South Africa was the first African country to also include vaccinations against rotavirus gastroenteritis and pneumococcal infection in its schedule. To be properly protected, a child must receive all the vaccinations included in the schedule.

Does it cost anything and where is it done?

Vaccinations of the extended programme on immunisations (EPI) are provided free of charge to all infants and children up to the age of 12 at clinics across South Africa.

What is herd immunity?

Herd immunity is a form of immunity that results from high vaccination rates among a particular population or community. Because a significant proportion of people are protected against disease through vaccination, it is much more difficult for diseases to spread because very few people are susceptible to infection.

Herd immunity provides protection for people who cannot be vaccinated, such as:

    • People with immune system problems
    • Children who are too young to be vaccinated
    • People who are too ill to be vaccinated.

When immunisation rates fall, herd immunity can break down and lead to an increase in the cases of a disease or diseases.

 

Sources

www.amayeza-info.co.za
www.childmag.co.za
www.kznhealth.gov.za/vaccinations.pdf
www.vaccinestoday.eu
www.who.int