Immunisation: What you need to know
Published:Saturday | November 9, 2024 | 6:40 AM
World Immunization Day, observed on November 10 each year, highlights the critical role of vaccines in protecting individuals and communities against preventable diseases.
Vaccination is a powerful tool that has eradicated and controlled many infectious diseases, like smallpox and polio, and continues to combat serious illnesses worldwide. Immunisation not only saves lives, but also plays a vital role in building healthier societies, reducing healthcare costs, and enhancing economic stability.
In Jamaica, as in many parts of the world, immunisation is a top priority, especially in light of the recent COVID-19 pandemic, which has underscored the importance of vaccine access and equity.
GLOBAL FACTS AND BENEFITS OF IMMUNISATION
• Economic impact: For every dollar invested in vaccination, there is an estimated return of US$16 from healthcare savings and reduced disease burden. This helps economies and families avoid the high costs of treating vaccine-preventable diseases.
• Eradication success: Vaccines have eradicated smallpox globally and nearly eliminated polio, with cases dropping by over 99 per cent since 1988.
• Improved lifespan and health: Immunisation helps prevent severe illness, disability, and death, contributing to longer and healthier lives. It also reduces hospitalisations, which can alleviate the strain on healthcare systems.
• Reducing childhood mortality: Immunisation prevents about 2-3 million deaths in children under the age of five every year from diseases such as measles, pneumonia, and diarrhoea.
• Adapting to new diseases: Immunisation programmes adapt to emerging diseases, as seen with the rapid development of COVID-19 vaccines and ongoing research for vaccines against HIV and malaria.
JAMAICA’S IMMUNISATION ACHIEVEMENTS AND PROGRAMMES
• High coverage rates: Jamaica boasts high vaccination rates among children, with programmes in place to immunise against diseases like measles, mumps, rubella, polio, tuberculosis, and whooping cough.
• Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI): The government has implemented the EPI, which aims to reach all Jamaican children with essential vaccines by providing them free of charge through public health facilities.
• Legal requirements for school entry: In Jamaica, children must show proof of immunisation to enroll in school, ensuring that children are protected from major communicable diseases at an early age.
• Introduction of new vaccines: Jamaica has progressively introduced new vaccines into the national immunisation schedule, such as the HPV (Human Papillomavirus) vaccine to prevent cervical cancer and the hepatitis B vaccine.
• COVID-19 vaccine roll-out: Jamaica has implemented COVID-19 vaccination for eligible age groups, with ongoing campaigns to increase vaccine uptake among adults and adolescents to help control the spread of the virus.
COMMON VACCINE-PREVENTABLE DISEASES IN JAMAICA AND GLOBALLY
1. Polio: While largely eradicated, ongoing immunisation efforts prevent its resurgence.
2. Measles and rubella: Highly contagious but preventable with the MMR vaccine; Jamaica’s high vaccine coverage helps keep outbreaks at bay.
3. HPV: The vaccine against human papillomavirus, available to adolescent girls, is part of the effort to reduce cervical cancer rates.
4. Tetanus: The tetanus vaccine protects against a bacterial infection that can lead to muscle spasms and death; it is part of Jamaica’s immunisation schedule for infants and boosters for adults.
5. Influenza: The seasonal flu vaccine, though not part of the childhood vaccine schedule, is recommended for older adults, healthcare workers, and individuals with chronic illnesses.
IMMUNISATION TIPS AND BEST PRACTICES
• Ensure timely vaccinations for infants: Most vaccines are most effective when administered in early childhood. Parents should follow the immunisation schedule provided by health authorities.
• Booster shots are important: Many vaccines require booster doses to maintain immunity over time, so adults should stay informed about their immunisation status.
• Vaccinate during pregnancy: Pregnant women are encouraged to get vaccinated for diseases like influenza and tetanus to protect both themselves and their newborns.
• Protect against misinformation: Vaccine misinformation can lead to hesitancy. It is essential to rely on trusted sources like the World Health Organization and Jamaica’s Ministry of Health and Wellness for accurate information.
• Healthcare worker vaccination: Healthcare workers should be fully vaccinated to protect themselves and prevent the spread of infections in healthcare settings.
• Travel health precautions: When traveling, especially to areas with high disease prevalence, individuals should consult healthcare providers about additional vaccines, such as those for yellow fever, typhoid, and hepatitis.
STEPS TO IMPROVE IMMUNISATION EFFORTS IN JAMAICA
• Outreach in rural and remote areas: Expanding vaccine outreach in remote regions can help achieve near-universal vaccine coverage.
• Public education campaigns: Increasing public awareness of the benefits and safety of vaccines can address vaccine hesitancy and improve uptake.
• Strengthening cold chain logistics: Maintaining the proper storage and transport of vaccines ensures they remain effective, especially in warmer climates like Jamaica.
• Engaging community leaders: Collaborating with community leaders and influencers can help build trust and promote immunisation within communities.
World Immunization Day reminds us of the life-saving power of vaccines and encourages us to remain vigilant in protecting public health. By maintaining high vaccine coverage and addressing vaccine hesitancy, Jamaica and the world can continue to protect people from preventable diseases and work towards a healthier future for all.