WORLD IMMUNIZATION WEEK 24TH -30TH APRIL 2016

 

WORLD IMMUNIZATION WEEK 24^TH -30^TH APRIL 2016

World Immunization Week sprung out of the efforts taking place across different countries and regions for a week-long immunization awareness commemoration. World Immunization Week is one of eight official campaigns marked by the WHO.

Immunization Week was observed simultaneously for the first time in 2012, with the participation of more than 180 countries and territories worldwide

Each World Immunization Week focuses on a theme.

Theme for 24^th -30^th April 2016:

“Close the gap, immunize every child..!!”.

In UAE according to Gulf News, the two different vaccines (MMR and meningococcal meningitis) need to be administered either on the same day, or alternatively six weeks apart.

Although the DHA has repeatedly reassured parents over the last couple of days that there are currently no cases of meningococcal meningitis in the city, many parents remain deeply concerned.

Why IMMUNIZATION??

Prevents 2 to 3 million deaths every year.

Estimated 22 million infants are not fully immunized

1.5 million children under 5 die

IMPORTANCE OF IMMUNIZATION:

Vaccines provide protective immunity and immunological memory to individuals, families and communities against any infectious disease.

Vaccines are cheap, cost-effective, easily administered and adaptable to mass vaccination.

Vaccines are safe, thoroughly tested and monitored.

Vaccines stimulate both cell mediated and humoral immunities.

Viral diseases can be managed through vaccination.

DUBAI HEALTH AUTHORITY [DHA] – IMMUNIZATION GUIDELINES.

Routes of Administrating Vaccines

Intradermal injections.

Delivered into dermis (top layer of skin)

Subcutaneous injections

Needle given in top layers of skin

Area of insertion does not need to be rubbed or moved

Intramuscular injections

Given in muscle tissue below the dermis and subcutaneous tissue of skin

Area of insertion does need to be rubbed and moved to make sure the liquid does not stay in one area.

3 WAYS TO HELP PROTECT YOUR FAMILY’S HEALTH:

Learn more about all vaccine-preventable diseases

Visit your health provider to get vaccinated

Keep up-to-date immunization records

Whether it’s in Dubai or not, i think we all realize that most of our kids are not vaccinated for meningococcal meningitis as it’s just not part of many countries vaccine program … that’s a wakeup call for us all

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