City Health is urging parents to double-check their children’s vaccination records as recent data shows a concerning trend of decreasing child immunisations. Vaccinations are both secure and effective, and South Africa follows the vaccination guidelines set by the World Health Organisation. Children are set to receive 16 vaccines from birth till the age of 12, and caregivers need not panic if vaccinations are not up to date. It is essential to ensure children are well-protected against numerous diseases before they start their educational journey.
Prioritising Children’s Immunisation in 2024: A Timely Reminder for Parents
City Health urges parents to double-check their children’s vaccination records, emphasising the importance of prompt immunisations to protect against various diseases before they start their educational journey. Recent data shows a concerning trend of decreasing child immunisations, emphasising the necessity of timely vaccinations. Vaccinations are both secure and effective, and South Africa follows the vaccination guidelines set by the World Health Organisation. Children are set to receive 16 vaccines from birth till the age of 12, and caregivers need not panic if vaccinations are not up to date.
A Timely Reminder for Parents
As the new dawn of 2024 brings fresh opportunities, a significant health alert from City Health vibrates, urging parents to double-check their children’s vaccination records. The focus is on underlining the importance of prompt immunisations, to make sure our youngsters are well-protected against numerous diseases before they start their educational voyage in Early Childhood Development Centres or schools.
The immunisation schedule of South Africa mainly focuses on a child’s first year, administering most vaccinations during this span. However, the timeline doesn’t stop there. Essential booster shots at six and 12 years are an integral part of the program. Each child’s immunisations are recorded in a ‘Road to Health’ booklet, a document provided shortly after birth, which serves as a record book for their immunisation status.
Recent Vaccination Trends and Concerns
Recent data depicts a disconcerting trend – a diminishing number of child immunisations across various categories. This drop is disturbing and demands immediate intervention to reverse the development. Vaccinations play a fundamental role in safeguarding our children’s health and decreasing the risk of serious diseases or complications. A clear example is the measles outbreak in the metro less than a year ago, a glaring reminder of the importance of prompt vaccinations and booster shots.
As Patricia Van der Ross, the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, aptly advises, ensuring your child’s vaccinations are current should be a key part of your planning for the new academic year. Clinic staff are always ready to aid if you have any questions or need support.
The Safety and Necessity of Vaccinations
For parents and caregivers, it’s vital to recognize that vaccinations are both secure and effective. Medical professionals are always on hand to address any doubts concerning vaccine safety. South Africa follows the vaccination guidelines set by the World Health Organisation. This compliance involves administering vaccines that safeguard children against diseases such as polio, measles, whooping cough, diphtheria, tetanus, meningitis, pneumonia, hepatitis, rotavirus (which causes diarrhoea), and BCG to prevent severe tuberculosis.
In the public healthcare system, children are set to receive 16 vaccines from birth till the age of 12. Fourteen of these are administered within the first 18 months of their lives. If a child’s vaccinations are not up to date, caregivers need not panic. The vaccinations can still be given. The documents necessary for these immunisations include the caregiver’s ID, the child’s birth certificate, and their ‘Road to Health’ booklet. Even in the absence of these documents, the child can still be vaccinated at the clinic. If the ‘Road to Health’ booklet is misplaced, it’s crucial to notify healthcare workers to issue a replacement.
Stepping into 2024 with a Healthier Future
As we stride into the era of 2024, it’s essential to remember that protecting our children’s health is a shared responsibility. Immunisation serves as a strong shield, and guaranteeing our children are immunised is a contribution towards their future and that of our society. Let’s strive to make sure that each child’s ‘Road to Health’ booklet narrates a story of routine, timely vaccinations and booster shots.
1. Why is City Health urging parents to double-check their children’s vaccination records?
City Health is urging parents to double-check their children’s vaccination records because recent data shows a concerning trend of decreasing child immunisations. It is essential to ensure children are well-protected against numerous diseases before they start their educational journey.
2. How many vaccines are children set to receive from birth till the age of 12?
Children are set to receive 16 vaccines from birth till the age of 12.
3. Should caregivers panic if vaccinations are not up to date?
No, caregivers need not panic if vaccinations are not up to date. The vaccinations can still be given. The documents necessary for these immunisations include the caregiver’s ID, the child’s birth certificate, and their ‘Road to Health’ booklet. Even in the absence of these documents, the child can still be vaccinated at the clinic.
4. Which diseases can vaccinations safeguard children against?
Vaccinations can safeguard children against diseases such as polio, measles, whooping cough, diphtheria, tetanus, meningitis, pneumonia, hepatitis, rotavirus (which causes diarrhea), and BCG to prevent severe tuberculosis.
5. How many vaccines are administered within the first 18 months of a child’s life?
Fourteen of the sixteen vaccines that children are set to receive from birth till the age of 12 are administered within the first 18 months of their lives.
6. What should parents do if their child’s ‘Road to Health’ booklet is misplaced?
If a child’s ‘Road to Health’ booklet is misplaced, it’s crucial to notify healthcare workers to issue a replacement.
