Introduction of Hexavalent Pediatric Vaccine Strengthens Immunization in Paraguay
Asunción, IP Agency – In a significant effort to enhance the immunization of infants and toddlers, the administration of the acellular hexavalent pediatric vaccine has commenced. This new vaccine provides protection against six diseases, including diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, poliomyelitis, haemophilus influenza type b, and hepatitis B.
Improving the National Vaccination Plan
This implementation marks an unprecedented milestone in the Ministry of Public Health and Social Welfare’s National Vaccination Plan, as it replaces the pentavalent and anti-polio vaccines. The Paraguayan Pediatric Society (SPP) fully supports this progress through its “Vaccinating is Power” campaign.
“The introduction of the acellular hexavalent vaccine to Paraguay’s regular vaccination scheme is a significant advancement for public health in our country. Paraguay becomes the second country in the Southern Cone, after Chile, and the fourth in Latin America to incorporate this vaccine. The greatest beneficiaries are our infants, who will now receive a single vaccine providing powerful defense against six potentially fatal diseases,” stated Ernesto Weber, President of the Paraguayan Pediatric Society (SPP).
Reducing Injections and Ensuring Accessibility
The hexavalent vaccine significantly reduces the number of injections required for children, minimizing pain due to its acellular components and alleviating stress for parents.
Previously available only privately, this vaccine’s inclusion in the National Vaccination Plan ensures that all boys and girls can access it for free at authorized vaccination centers across the country.
New Immunization Schedule
As part of the new immunization schedule, children born from April 2023 will receive the first dose of the hexavalent vaccine at 2 months of age, followed by the second dose at 4 months, the third dose at 6 months, the first booster at 18 months, and the second booster with IPV and DPT at 4 years.
Importance of Vaccination
Specialists from the Paraguayan Pediatric Society (SPP) urge citizens to recognize the importance of adhering to vaccination schedules, emphasizing that vaccines are safe, protect lives, and contribute to public health.
Paraguay Joins Latin American Countries
Paraguay now joins the ranks of Panama (2016), Chile (2018), and Mexico (2019) as the fourth country in Latin America to incorporate hexavalent vaccines into its national calendar.
Recommendation from National Immunization Advisory Technical Committee
The acellular hexavalent vaccine has received the recommendation of the National Immunization Advisory Technical Committee (cotenai) for inclusion in the National Vaccination Plan.
Icant step towards improving the immunization of infants and toddlers in the country. This new vaccine provides protection against six diseases, including diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, poliomyelitis, haemophilus influenza type b, and hepatitis B. By replacing the pentavalent and anti-polio vaccines, this implementation strengthens the National Vaccination Plan. The Paraguayan Pediatric Society fully supports this progress through its campaign “Vaccinating is Power”.”
How is the Paraguayan Pediatric Society contributing to the campaign for improved immunization of infants and toddlers through “Vaccinating is Power
The Paraguayan Pediatric Society is contributing to the campaign for improved immunization of infants and toddlers through its initiative called “Vaccinating is Power.” Here are some ways in which they are making a difference:
1. Awareness and education: The society is actively raising awareness about the importance of vaccinations for infants and toddlers. They are educating parents, caregivers, and healthcare professionals about the vaccines available, their benefits, and the recommended immunization schedule.
2. Training healthcare professionals: The society provides training and educational programs for healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and midwives. By enhancing their knowledge and skills, they can effectively administer vaccines and address any concerns or misconceptions related to immunization.
3. Advocacy: The society actively advocates for immunization and encourages policymakers and government agencies to prioritize and invest in vaccination programs. They collaborate with national and international organizations to develop and implement policies and strategies for improved immunization coverage.
4. Access to vaccines: The society works towards ensuring easy access to vaccines for all infants and toddlers, especially those in remote or underprivileged areas. They collaborate with healthcare institutions, pharmacies, and other stakeholders to establish vaccination centers and outreach programs, making vaccines accessible to all children.
5. Monitoring and evaluation: The society monitors immunization coverage rates and evaluates the impact of vaccination campaigns to identify gaps and areas for improvement. They conduct research studies, collect data, and analyze the effectiveness of immunization programs to guide future initiatives.
Overall, through their “Vaccinating is Power” campaign, the Paraguayan Pediatric Society is playing a crucial role in promoting immunization of infants and toddlers, with the aim of preventing vaccine-preventable diseases and protecting the health and well-being of children in Paraguay.
This new hexavalent pediatric vaccine in Paraguay marks a significant step towards enhancing immunization for children. It’s encouraging to see countries prioritizing the health of their young population by expanding their vaccine programs. This progressive move will undoubtedly contribute to better protection against a range of diseases for Paraguayan children.
This new hexavalent pediatric vaccine is a great step towards enhancing immunization in Paraguay. It is important to invest in advanced vaccines to protect our children from multiple diseases. Well done!