It’s time to immunize!
By Pepin
Influenza, Pneumococcal Infection, and Chickenpox – these are only some of the diseases that can be prevented through proper immunization, but a lot of people still do not value the benefits of this preventive measure. As a result, many Filipinos, especially young children, die every year and many more suffer because they failed to take the first step to protect themselves from pathogens that cause chronic illnesses. Immunization can do a lot better than cure. Aside from preventing the disease and providing lifelong protection, it is also economical. It cost much less than the treatment that a person might be receiving. It is also safe and effective because the process and the vaccines are products of extensive health research and are approved by the World Health Organization.
Here in the Philippines, the law states that newborn babies are to be immunized as soon as they are born. These will give them protection against diseases that can compromise their feeble health.
Vaccines given at birth to 12 months:
BCG (tuberculosis and meningitis) – birth or anytime after birth
DPT (diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus) – 6 weeks
Oral Polio Vaccine – 6 weeks
Hepatitis B – at birth
Measles – 9 months
Source: Expanded Program on Immunization – Philippines
Immunization is enforced for some people, especially among health care workers because they have the highest risk to contact pathogens in the hospital and in other health care facilities. Specific immunizations, such as for malaria, yellow fever, and typhoid fever are recommended for people who wish to travel to areas where these diseases are common. Moreover, people who use drugs or has more than one sex partner are obliged to get vaccinated against Hepatitis B.
Millions of lives can be saved through immunization. It is the first step that the country should take to promote and live a healthy life.
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