2009-08-03: Babies to receive new vaccines to prevent Diarrhoea
Immunisation awareness week, scheduled to run from the 01st - 9th of August 2009, will coincide with the commencement of the national roll-out of the Rotavirus Vaccine, which is used for the prevention of diarrhoea among young children.
The Rotavirus vaccine is one of the two vaccines that were added to the National Expanded Programme on Immunisation Schedule, EPI-SA during 2009. The other being the Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV), that was rolled-out in April 2009, is used for the prevention of pneumonia, meningitis and ear infections that are caused by the germ, streptococcus.
Rotavirus infection is a very common contagious viral infection. It is the most common cause of severe diarrhoea in infants and young children worldwide. Nearly all children have been infected with a rotavirus illness at some stage before they are five years of age, and can be re-infected several times during their lives. Rotavirus infection is known to cause diarrhoea among children below the age of five years and it can lead to dehydration, electrolyte imbalance and death. Symptoms usually start with a temperature, an upset stomach, vomiting followed by diarrhoea, lasting 3 to 7 days.
The Rotavirus enters the body through the mouth and then infects the lining of the bowl. The virus can be easily spread through contaminated hands, objects (toys) or food. The Rota vaccine will not prevent diarrhoea or vomiting that is caused by other infections, but is very effective in preventing diarrhoea and vomiting caused by Rotavirus. Infection with Rota virus cannot be treated with antibiotics.
The Rota vaccine is an oral (swallowed) vaccine includes two doses that will be administered at the age 6 weeks and 14 weeks, at the same time as other vaccines included in the National Immunisation Programme. There will be no catch-up programme for older children who missed the opportunity to be vaccinated with the Rota vaccine. Children who are 6 weeks old on 1 August 2009 will be eligible for the vaccine.
Parents and caregivers should take note that there is a slight chance that the virus will be excreted in the bowel actions but only after the first dose of Rota virus vaccine was administered. This increases the risk of the virus being transmitted to individuals who have not had the vaccine and have not build-up natural immunity. To minimise this risk, it is recommended that parents and carers follow strict hand washing guidelines and disposal of nappies for up to 7 days after vaccination. Any person concerned about a baby’s wellbeing after vaccination should consult a health facility as soon as possible.
The introduction of the two vaccines (at no cost in public health facilities) is expected to significantly reduce childhood illnesses and deaths in the country and assist towards the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) particularly those relating to infant and child mortality.
The new immunisation schedule is as follows:
At Birth: Polio Vaccine
BCG – Vaccine (against Tuberculosis – TB)
6 Weeks: Polio Vaccine, PCV, Rotavirus, DTP Vaccine, HIB Vaccine, Hepatitis B Vaccine
10 Weeks: Polio Vaccine, DTP Vaccine, HIB Vaccine, Hepatitis B Vaccine
14 Weeks: Polio Vaccine, DTP Vaccine, HIV Vaccine, Hepatitis B Vaccine, PCV, Rotavirus
9 Months: Measles Vaccine, PCV
18 Months: Measles Vaccine, DTP Vaccine, HIB Vaccine, Polio Vaccine
6 Years: Td Vaccine
12 Years: Td Vaccine
Vaccine against:
DTP = Diphtheria, Whooping Cough and Tetanus
Td = Diphtheria and tetanus
HIB = Haemophilus influenza type b
PCV = Pneucoccal diseases (Meningitis, Pneumonia, Blood and Ear Infection)
Rotavirus = Diarhoea, caused by rotavirus
Hepatitas = Liver Disease
The City of Johannesburg Health Department requests parents, care-givers, educators amongst others to take full advantage of these vaccines and help reverse preventable deaths among children and infants. Members of the public are welcome to visit their health facility to gain more information on these vaccines.
For more information contact:Nkosinathi Nkabinde
Communication Specialist
City of Johannesburg Health Department
Telephone: (011) 407 – 6477
Cell: 083 408 7787
Website: www.joburg.org.za
