The pandemic of covid-19 significantly impacted the vaccination schedule of the Expanded Program on Immunizations (EPI)a fact that led to Ministry of Public Health (MSPBS) to implement strategies to recover and improve the coverage. Immunization is essential to guarantee the health of the population and prevent disease outbreaks that are preventable with biologicals.
Been: Attention, parents! These are the vaccines that children should receive according to their age
In a report presented by Public Health, the achievements achieved between 2023 and 2024, highlighting the recovery of the roofing of vaccination in Paraguay.
Vaccination in Paraguay: What results does the PAI report show?
Among the encouraging results revealed in the aforementioned report, it stands out that the 37% of the health regions showed progress in the application of biological tracers. There is 66 municipalities who reduced their dropout rate of the DPT3 less than 10%. The DPT3 vaccine protects against diphtheriahe tetanus and the cough whooping.
Furthermore, there was an increase in 15% in the application of the third dose of the vaccine against poliomyelitis in children under one year old. It also increased, by 29%, coverage against measles.
They ask parents to vaccinate their children to avoid a resurgence of Measles.
The Public Health report highlights that the dropout rate decreased to 6.4%recovering 5,937 children and girls in vaccination programs.
Likewise, from the Ministry of Health they indicated that more than 50,000 certificates international vaccination programs were downloaded, evidencing greater access to information about the importance of vaccination.
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Regarding the specific data of the 2024the report reveals that a additional increase of the 10% al 15% in vaccine coverage hexavalent y SPR1.
These are the vaccines that children should receive, depending on their age
According to the regular scheme of the EPI, the newborns should receive vaccinations against tuberculosis and against the Hepatitis B. The BCG o Calmette-Guérin bacillusis a vaccine against tuberculosis that is used to prevent severe forms of the disease, such as tuberculous meningitisthe tuberculosis billion and the osteomyelitis. In the case of the HEPBthe Hepatitis B vaccine, offers 95% to 100% protection against the disease.
A neonatologist holds a dose of BCG vaccine.
From the two months of lifethe PAI scheme indicates the application of three vaccines: rotavirus, hexavalent y pneumococcus. In the case of the first, it contributes to the reduction of deaths from diarrhea. It is applied in two doses, at 2 months and 4 months of life.
For its part, the vaccine hexavalent (against six diseases) prevents diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, Hepatitis B, poliomyelitis (inactivada), haemophilus influenzae type b. Meanwhile, the vaccine 13-valent conjugated pneumococcus (PCV13) is a vaccine that protects against pneumococcus infections, a type of bacteria that can cause diseases such as pneumonia, meningitis, otitis, sepsis y bacteremia.
What other vaccines should the baby receive?
To the 4 and 6 months of lifechildren receive the second dose of some biologicals, in addition to other new vaccines. At 4 months, babies should be given the same three doses as at 2 months: rotavirus, hexavalent y pneumococcus.
Also read: Vaccination against HPV: why should children also get it?
Subsequently, after 6 months they must receive the dose of the hexavalentin addition to the first dose against seasonal flu. After 12 months, another dose of the same is applied again. pneumococcus vaccine (PCV13) and another dose against seasonal influenza. To these are added the doses of SPR, against him measles, mumps y rubella, and the dose against yellow fever (AA). This last vaccine is unique application in life.
The yellow fever vaccine is given only once in a lifetime.
Starting at 15 months, the baby should receive seasonal influenza vaccines as an annual dose, in addition to influenza vaccines. chicken pox y hepatitis A. Later, starting at 18 months, a new dose of the vaccine should be given hexavalentseasonal influenza (annual dose) and another dose of the MMR vaccine (measles, mumps and rubella).
Likewise, at 2 years of age, as the only vaccine in that period, the child must receive the seasonal influenza vaccine as an annual dose. From the age of 4 years, a dose of the vaccine IPVagainst the poliomyelitis and the dose of DPT vaccineagainst the diphtheria, whooping cough o whooping cough y tetanus. Finally, at 5 years of age, the vaccine against chicken pox.
Vaccination Update from Paraguay: Let’s Get Cheeky about Health!
So, kids, gather around—it’s time for a health lesson but with a twist! Just when we thought the pandemic was sending us all to the naughty corner, it turns out we’ve been a bit lax about our vaccinations, and oh dear, the Ministry of Public Health (MSPBS) wants us back on track faster than you can say ‘vaccination schedule.’ Seriously, if they could bring back the disco balls of health, they would!
Why Vaccination is Key—Like Having Five Gold Rings at Christmas!
Now, let me put it this way: immunization isn’t just a fancy term you throw around at parties to sound smart—it’s essential for guaranteeing the health of our population. Otherwise, we’d be seeing disease outbreaks dancing their way back into our lives like they’re auditioning for “Dancing with the Stars.” No one wants that! So, parents, toss those hesitation hats aside and let’s talk vaccines.
Attention, parents! These are the vaccines your children should be arm-wrestling for, depending on their age. And yes, arm wrestling is a legit metaphor here; we don’t want to wrestle with diseases!
The Good News: Vaccination Progress in Paraguay!
Hold onto your seats, folks! The latest report from Public Health revealed that an impressive 37% of health regions in Paraguay have made progress with their vaccination efforts. That’s right! And if that isn’t your cue to throw a party, I don’t know what is! Among the highlights, 66 municipalities have reduced their dropout rates for the DPT3 vaccine to less than 10%. Just to remind you, DPT3 stands for Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Whooping Cough—so thank goodness those kids are getting protection!
But wait, there’s more! We’ve seen a 15% jump in the application of the third dose of the poliomyelitis vaccine for kids under one year old. And you’ll never guess what else—a staggering 29% increase in coverage against measles! It almost sounds too good to be true, but it’s real—grab your party hats!
Hot Off the Press: New Vaccination Schedule!
Right, let’s get down to brass tacks: What do your darling little munchkins need? According to the EPI schedule, newborns need vaccinations against Tuberculosis and Hepatitis B—because, let’s face it, no one wants their kid to end up in a nasty health jam.
Starting at just two months old, they should be lined up for rotavirus, hexavalent, and pneumococcus. And yes, that’s three—that’s not a typo! Individual vaccines for lethal diseases, shiny and ready!
As We Zoom Through Babyhood
At the ripe old age of 4 and 6 months, those tiny tots should get the second dose of those magical potions, plus some new ones thrown in for good measure. By the way, if you think “hexavalent” sounds like an Avenger, you’re not alone—it’s a super vaccine against six maladies! Whew, what a mouthful.
Annual Flu Shots: Because Why Not?!
Excitingly, from the age of 15 months, kiddos are supposed to get seasonal flu vaccines, chickenpox vaccines, and a whole lot more. That chickenpox jab? Only given once in a lifetime! Talk about a milestone. And for our superhero kids at 2 years old? Only the annual flu vaccine. By 4 years, they should be swooping in for the IPV and DPT vaccines. And yes, they’ll possibly grumble, but think of it this way—less grumbling about diseases later on!
Closing Thoughts: A Little Health goes a Long Way!
So, there you have it! Paraguay is dusting off the cobwebs and stepping up its vaccination game, and as parents (and funny uncles and aunts), we have to step up, too. Help those little ones out by getting them vaccinated. Not only will you be saving them from nasty diseases, but you might even score some bragging rights. Because let’s face it, nothing beats the joy of knowing your kids are protected.
Now go on, give those little ones a high-five instead of a low-five when they get their shots, and let’s all stay healthy together!
Ading infections that can cause serious harm to our little ones! Let’s break it down a bit more, shall we?
Vaccination Breakdown: What’s on the Menu!
At 2 months, kiddos get cozy with:
- Rotavirus: Helping to kick diarrhea to the curb!
- Hexavalent: A superhero combo protecting against six nasty diseases, including Diphtheria and Tetanus.
- Pneumococcus: Keeping pneumonia and other infections at bay!
Then, when they hit 4 months, it’s déjà vu with the same three vaccines plus a “thank you for your patience” sticker!
At 6 months, it’s time for the hexavalent boosters and the first taste of the seasonal flu vaccine. This is an important step, as flu viruses change yearly—so we have to stay on our toes!
Fast forward to 12 months, and they get another dose of pneumococcus, their second seasonal flu shot, and the fabulous SPR vaccine (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella) along with a unique dose of yellow fever—that one’s a rare gem, given only once in a lifetime!
Growing Strong: The Continued Vaccine Adventure!
After 15 months, these tiny troopers will continue with their annual flu vaccines, and venture into the world of Chickenpox and Hepatitis A vaccines. Pushing into 18 months, they’ll need another hexavalent and flu booster, plus the MMR vaccine.
By the time they hit 2 years, it’s all about the annual flu shot. Before you know it, they’ll be 4 years old and all set for their IPV (polio) and DPT vaccines. And at 5 years, let’s not forget that Chickenpox vaccine, because no one wants that itchy mess!
Let’s Wrap This Up!
Parents, it’s a rollercoaster adventure ensuring our kids stay healthy and protected. Vaccination isn’t just a healthcare routine; it’s a community effort! By getting vaccinated, we’re not just protecting our little ones but helping create a happier, healthier world for everyone. So, roll up those sleeves and let’s do our part to keep the dance floor of health sparkling clean! After all, we’re not just fighting off pants-scraping diseases; we’re stamping out worries and ensuring our future is as bright as a disco ball!
Let’s make a commitment today for a healthier tomorrow—because every vaccination counts!
