Vaccines have been one of the most important developments in modern medicine and have saved many lives around the world. They have helped to virtually eradicate serious diseases such as smallpox and polio. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), immunisation prevents the deaths of between two and three million people every year.
As part of the Government Employees Medical Scheme's (GEMS) ongoing effort to educate our members and future members on a range of healthcare topics, we would like to explore certain important healthcare issues. This article looks at the subject of immunisation this African Vaccination Week, 23-29 April 2012.
What is immunisation?
Immunisation is usually done through the administration of a vaccine or vaccines and prevents diseases from infecting individuals and spreading from one person to another.
The human body has an immune or protective system, which assists in fighting off illnesses. The immune system can become stronger when one contracts an infectious illness and then recovers from it. During this natural process the body protects itself by producing antibodies, which fight off the illness and help to prevent future infections of the same illness.
Immunisation works in the same way, except that it involves the deliberate insertion of an infection into the body, which then reacts by producing antibodies to defend itself, just as it does naturally.
Why should I vaccinate?
Vaccination is one of the most important ways to prevent the spread of infectious diseases as this method is simple to administer and cost-effective. By ensuring that you receive the necessary vaccines you can help to protect yourself, your loved ones and your community. If everyone receives the vaccinations they should, the rate of certain infectious diseases will be significantly lowered and some illnesses may even be eradicated altogether.
How does vaccination protect the community?
When you receive a vaccination, you protect yourself from that particular illness but you also stop yourself from being able to pass it on to another person. Therefore, the higher the number of individuals who have been vaccinated against an illness, the lower the rate of infection in the community.
What vaccinations should I receive?
There are a number of different vaccines available for various diseases in both adults and children. Certain of these are compulsory childhood or travel vaccinations, whilst others are optional, for example, the seasonal flu vaccine.
These vaccines are usually very effective in preventing certain diseases or at least making their symptoms a great deal less severe. Speak to your doctor about what vaccinations you or your child may require.
What are the compulsory childhood vaccinations?
Vaccination for certain illnesses is especially important in children as their immune systems are not yet fully developed. It is for this reason that the South African Government has placed such a heavy emphasis on vaccinating children in the country.
Below is the recommended immunisation schedule for children between 0 and six years, according to the Department of Health.
| Disease | Vaccination | Age |
| Hepatitis B | HepB | At birth and repeated between 1 and 2 months, and finally between 6 and 18 months |
| Rotavirus | RV | At 2 months, repeated at 4 months and finally at six months |
| Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis | DTaP | At 2 months, repeated at 4 months, again at 6 months, again between 15 and 18 months and finally between 4 and 6 years |
| Haemophilius influenzae type B | Hib | At 2 months, repeated at 4 months, again at 6 months and finally between 12 and 15 months |
| Pneumococcal | PCV | At 2 months, repeated at 4 months, again at 6 months and finally between 12 and 15 months |
| Polio | IPV | At 2 months, repeated at 4 months, again between 6 and 18 months and finally between 4 and 6 years |
| Influenza | Influenza | Yearly from the age of 6 months |
| Measles, Mumps, Rubella | MMR | Between 12 and 15 months and repeated between 4 and 6 years |
| Varicella (Chickenpox) | Varicella | Between 12 and 15 months and repeated between 4 and 6 years |
| Hepatitis A | HepA | 2 doses between 12 and 23 months |
Always remember to take your baby's 'Road-to-Health' chart along with you when visiting the clinic or pediatrician for vaccinations. This chart is given to you when your baby has his or her first set of vaccinations. All your baby's health details are recorded on this chart and every time your baby is vaccinated, the chart will be updated.
Why are travel vaccinations important?
It is not always necessary to be vaccinated when travelling outside of South Africa. However, you do need protection against certain dangerous illnesses that are found in other countries and in such cases vaccination is imperative. For example, when travelling to certain parts of South America or Africa you would need to be vaccinated against yellow fever, which can be fatal.
When planning a trip abroad be sure to talk to your doctor about any vaccinations you may require and bear in mind that certain vaccines must be administered well in advance.
If you would like to know how GEMS can assist you to obtain more information about any of your healthcare needs, you can phone the GEMS call centre on 0860 00 4367 or send a SMS to 083 450 4367. GEMS will assist you in every way possible to ensure your family's health and well-being.
Sources:
1. The World Health Organisation, www.who.int
2. The South African Department of Health, www.doh.gov.za
3. The South African Vaccination and Immunisation Centre, www.savic.ac.za
4. The Mayo Clinic, www.mayoclinic.com
0860 00 4367 (Call Centre) [email protected] More Contacts >