Over 1,500 Children Immunized with New Hexavalent Vaccine
Since June 19, a total of 1,534 boys and girls in the country have received immunization against various diseases with a single hexavalent vaccine.
This new vaccine is part of the regular vaccination schedule and is applicable to children born from April 2023 onwards.
It is recommended to be administered at 2, 4, 6, and 18 months of age.
Ministry of Public Health and Social Welfare Implements New Hexavalent Vaccine
The Ministry of Public Health and Social Welfare has taken a significant step by introducing a new hexavalent vaccine into the regular vaccination schedule. This vaccine provides protection against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, hepatitis B, Haemophilus influenzae B, and poliomyelitis.
The administration of the vaccine began on June 19 and is targeted towards children born from April 2023 onwards. It is recommended to be given at 2, 4, 6, and 18 months of age. Children who have already started the previous pentavalent vaccine schedule should complete it, as there is no interchangeability between the two vaccines. Additionally, those who have received doses of the hexavalent vaccine in the private sector can complete any missing doses in the public sector.
According to the Expanded Immunization Program, a total of 1,534 boys and girls have received the vaccine during the first week of its implementation. The Central region has the highest number of administered doses with 406, followed by the Capital with 174, and Alto Paraná with 158 doses.
Benefits of the Hexavalent Vaccine
The hexavalent vaccine utilizes an acellular formulation, which reduces the risk of serious side effects and allergic reactions compared to whole cell vaccines. It stimulates the child’s immune system by introducing inactivated components of the disease-causing pathogens, preparing the immune system to effectively fight future infections and prevent serious diseases.
In addition to protecting against deadly diseases, the hexavalent vaccine also helps prevent complications associated with these diseases, reducing the burden on the healthcare system and improving the quality of life for children, their families, and the community as a whole.
Support from the Paraguayan Society of Pediatrics
The Paraguayan Society of Pediatrics (SPP) fully supports the implementation of the hexavalent vaccine through its campaign “Vaccinating is Power.” The SPP emphasizes the importance of following vaccination schedules as vaccines are safe, protective, and life-saving.
A press conference was held at the SPP, featuring several pediatricians from the board of directors and Dr. Héctor Castro, the director of the PAI (Expanded Immunization Program).
