Vaccines
Last February 19-20, 2025, I had the chance to attend the annual convention of the Pediatric Infectious Disease Specialist of the Philippines in Manila.
One of the topics that was given much attention is on the importance of vaccines on the health of the children. So, let us revisit the different vaccines available in our country.
1. BCG
– this is the simplest , safest and most economical and effective measure for the prevention of tuberculosis and it is a national policy in our country that all newborns delivered should be given BCG vaccine.
2. DPT
– this is for diphtheria, pertussis and tetanus
– children should receive 3 primary doses plus a booster at 1 year and 6 months of age and another booster at 4-6 years of age
– the length of immunity is 10 years except for pertussis component
3. OPV/ IPV
– this vaccine is a protection against poliomyelitis
– given together with DPT
– lifetime immunity if immunization has been completed
4. MMR
– Mumps, Measles and German measles
– since there is no available preparation for measles vaccine now, what we are giving to our children is the MMR vaccine
– this vaccine is given at 6-9 months of age, another dose at 1yr and 3 months of age and a booster dose at 4-6 yeara of age
5. Pneumococcal Vaccine
– given as the same schedule with DPT and Polio
– booster dose at 6 months to 1 year after the last dose
It is noteworthy to know that there are other vaccines available for vaccine preventable diseases and these are the following:
1. Varicella or chickenpox
2. Hepatitis A
3. Pneumo 23
4. Meningococcal vaccine (ACWY and Men B)
5. Typhoid
6. Japanese Encephalitis
7. Cervical vaccine
8. Shingles vaccine
9. Flu vaccine which is given yearly
I will be discussing these vaccines in detail in our next issue for us to better understand the impact of protection that benefits, not just the pediatric age group, but also the adults as well.
Let us love our children! Protect them! Vaccinate them!