Vaccine Preventable Diseases

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FAQs

Immunization is crafted to fortify the body's defenses against diseases. Vaccines, consist of either inactivated or weakened pathogens, or specific components thereof, responsible for causing particular illnesses. These vaccines prompt the body to develop antibodies, specialized proteins that recognize and combat specific elements of the pathogen. This strategic immune response aids in preparing the body to effectively counter the targeted disease, contributing to enhanced immunity. To ensure the quality, WHO pre-qualified vaccines, are procured by the government. By prioritizing quality control, the EPI program strives to guarantee the reliability and efficacy of vaccines, ultimately contributing to the success of country’s immunization efforts and safeguarding the health of children.
Yes, the vaccines are safe and effective against vaccine preventable diseases. The safety of these vaccines is paramount, as they undergo thorough scrutiny and adhere to stringent WHO guidelines. Program’s commitment to quality control ensures that these vaccines maintain their safety profile from manufacturer to beneficiary. In addition to their safety, these vaccines demonstrate exceptional effectiveness. They provide robust protection against a range of serious and potentially life-threatening diseases, contributing significantly to government efforts to prevent illness and enhance public health.
Vaccines may induce adverse events following immunization (AEFIs), predominantly characterized by mild symptoms such as localized soreness at the injection site, irritability, or a low-grade fever. These side effects typically exhibit a transient nature, enduring for a brief period, usually a few days, and are responsive to therapeutic interventions. For instance, mitigating local soreness and swelling can be achieved by employing a cold compress on the affected area to alleviate discomfort. In cases of a low-grade fever, the use of antipyretic medicines, under appropriate medical advice, can help manage this symptom effectively. It is imperative to recognize that these mild AEFIs are commonplace and represent anticipated reactions as the body mounts an immune response to the introduced antigens. Nevertheless, in the event of more severe or persistent reactions, seeking timely medical advice from the qualified medical professional is recommended to ensure an appropriate assessment and management of the situation.
• Babies and newborn have weak immune systems, making them easy targets for sickness. Vaccines make their immune systems stronger, protecting them from dangerous diseases when they're little, and lower the chances of severe problems like pneumonia, encephalitis, and even death. • Some antibodies are transferred from the mother to the child, but their effectiveness fades after a few weeks, leaving infants vulnerable to vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs). Early vaccination is crucial for sustained immunity. Vaccines given in early childhood keep kids safe from diseases that could cause problems their whole lives, like the measles vaccine, which can keep them safe forever. • Vaccinating infants and children not only protects them but also supports community immunity (herd immunity). When a large part of the population is vaccinated, it hinders disease spread, safeguarding even those unable to receive vaccines for medical reasons.
Immunizing your child is imperative for safeguarding against severe diseases, as vaccines play a pivotal role in conferring immunity to infants, children, and adolescents. Administering childhood vaccines facilitates the development of specific protection, known as immunity, preemptively guarding against diseases before potential exposure occurs. Children necessitate immunizations, encompassing both injections and oral formulations, to shield them against Vaccine-Preventable Diseases. These diseases carry significant medical implications, featuring serious complications that can result in morbidity or mortality in children. Ensuring the timely administration of vaccines and completing the course is a fundamental measure in establishing immunological defenses and mitigating the potential harm posed by these preventable illnesses.
  • Childhood TB
  • Polio
  • Diarrhea
  • Pneumonia
  • Diphtheria
  • Pertussis (Whooping cough)
  • Tetanus (Lockjaw)
  • Hepatitis B
  • Meningitis
  • Typhoid
  • Measles
  • Rubella
Get your child vaccinated against 12 deadly diseases in 6 visits, to get 12 vaccine shots containing lifesaving antigens by the age of 15 months. Click Here to access complete vaccination schedule
You can get your child vaccinated by visiting your nearest Government Health Facility with EPI Center. Click Here to explore list of All Government EPI Centers across Pakistan.
Timely administration of vaccines in early childhood is crucial for providing protection during the vulnerable initial months. Simultaneously administering multiple shots offers the advantage of reducing health facility visits, saving time and money for parents while minimizing potential distress for the child. Hence, as a Mother/Care Taker, you are being assured that multiple vaccination shots at one time does not cause additional stress on the child body.
Even in the presence of minor health issues such as a slight fever, cold, runny nose, upset stomach, it is generally safe to immunize your child. These common ailments pose no heightened risk of adverse events when administering vaccinations. However, in cases where symptoms, particularly high fever or other indications, point towards a moderate or severe illness, it is advisable to postpone vaccination until the child's health improves.
This phenomenon is referred to as Adverse Event Following Immunization (AEFI). If you suspect your child is undergoing a sustained or severe reaction, promptly contact your healthcare provider or Sehat Tahaffuz Helpline “1166” to seek immediate medical attention. Document the details of the incident, noting the date and time it occurred. Additionally, request your doctor, to submit an "AEFI Report" to ensure a comprehensive record of the event is maintained.
While adhering to the recommended vaccination schedule is crucial, if your child has missed doses or fallen behind, it is never too late to initiate or catch up on immunizations. In such cases, consult with your healthcare provider or the nearest health facility. If your child has already received some shots but is now off schedule, there is no need to restart the process. The vaccinations administered will still be considered valid. Your healthcare provider will guide you on how to resume and continue the vaccination schedule from the point where it was previously left off.
Vaccination is crucial for various reasons: 1. Disease Prevention: Un-vaccination increases the risk of serious illnesses for children, including hepatitis, childhood tuberculosis, whooping cough, and diphtheria, along with potential complications such as pneumonia and malnutrition. 2. Family Protection: Unimmunized children can pose risks to other family members, especially infants. 3. Community Outbreaks: Incomplete or lack of vaccinations may contribute to infectious disease outbreaks in the community, as seen with polio. Diseases in decline could resurge if vaccination rates decrease. 4. Financial Burden: Treatment costs for vaccine-preventable diseases and their complications can be substantial, impacting both individuals and society. Diseases like diphtheria and measles require expensive and time-consuming treatments. 5. Quality of Life: Preventable diseases can lead to lifelong disabilities, such as blindness from measles or paralysis from polio, decreasing the overall quality of life. 6. Life Expectancy: Un-vaccination or incomplete vaccination is associated with a decrease in life expectancy. Complete vaccination, particularly among toddlers, positively influences life expectancy by reducing the risk of various diseases. 7. Travel and Education: Some countries require complete immunization for visitors. Lack of immunization may limit educational opportunities, with schools increasingly adopting immunization status as an admission criterion. In summary, vaccinations on time is a fundamental step in safeguarding individual and community health, minimizing the risk of diseases, complications, and associated societal burdens.
This record serves as a valuable tool for tracking due dates, facilitating transitions between healthcare providers or relocations. Its importance is amplified when enrolling your child in daycare or school. Store your child's immunization record securely, treating it with the same care as vital documents such as a birth certificate, ensuring easy access when needed.
The primary objective of the EPI is to facilitate all Pakistani Children & Mothers with provision of free vaccines, underscoring the government's commitment to ensuring widespread immunization and protecting the health of the younger population. Free of cost vaccination services are available at Gov.t Health Facilities.
Pakistan dedicates billions of rupees for the procurement of vaccines. This financial commitment is channeled through the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI), a government initiative.
Please Sehat Tahaffuz Helpline (1166), is an important platform to listen to your concerns regarding vaccination, and connect you to a doctor when required. Moreover, for polio related queries you can contact Polio WhatsApp Helpline (03467776546)

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