The Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP) has issued a statement commending the government's efforts in providing free pentavalent vaccines and calling the fears as unfounded. The pentavalent vaccine is supposed to provide protection against five life-threatening diseases - Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus, Hepatitis B and Hib (Haemophilus influenza type b). While, the DPT (Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus) and Hepatitis B are already part of the national routine immunization programme, the union government has recently added the protection against Hib. The combination together is called pentavalent. The centre had recently introduced the vaccine in Haryana, Goa, and Pondicherry after Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
28 Jan 2013
Indian Academy Of Pediatrics Bats For Pentavalent Vaccines
The Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP) has issued a statement commending the government's efforts in providing free pentavalent vaccines and calling the fears as unfounded. The pentavalent vaccine is supposed to provide protection against five life-threatening diseases - Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus, Hepatitis B and Hib (Haemophilus influenza type b). While, the DPT (Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus) and Hepatitis B are already part of the national routine immunization programme, the union government has recently added the protection against Hib. The combination together is called pentavalent. The centre had recently introduced the vaccine in Haryana, Goa, and Pondicherry after Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
22 Jan 2013
Media Engagement In Haryana To Bring Mass Awareness Around Pentavalent Vaccine
The
role of media is well established when it comes to reach and connect to the
masses, the most effective tools of bringing mass awareness around any issue. Therefore,
engaging media is always considered as an important requisite while initiating
something novel especially pertaining to public health interventions, like
vaccination.
Considering
the fact, state of Haryana, the first in north India to launch pentavalent
vaccine as part of state immunization programme, in association with UNICEF and
National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) organised a workshop to engage health
editors from local and national media.
The
media engagement workshop around pentavalent vaccine was highly acclaimed among
the fraternity; it not only helped them understand the concept, rationale and
logic of pentavalent vaccine in Indian setting but also allowed them to clarify
their doubts and queries around it.
Puducherry Launches Pentavalent Vaccine In The State Immunization Programme
Puducherry
launches pentavalent vaccine in the state immunization programme
UNICEF and GHS conduct media
engagement with the media in partnership with Government of Puducherry and NRHM
Puducherry,
January 11, 2013: The Department of Health and Family
Welfare, Government of Puducherry will be soon launching the pentavalent
vaccine in all four districts of the state. After its successful launch in
Tamil Nadu and Kerala in 2011, pentavalent vaccine will be rolled out in the
state, which provides protection against five life threatening diseases
Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus, Hepatitis B and Hib (Haemophilus influenza
type b). The vaccine is likely to cover 22,000 children (birth to one year).
On the occasion, the Government, UNICEF and Global Health
Strategies (GHS) conducted a pre-launch engagement programme with the state and
national media. The representatives from the media houses were provided key
information on the safety and efficacy of the vaccine through a participatory
and consultative process. Shri G Ragesh
Chandra IAS, Secretary, Health & Family Welfare, Government of Puducherry and
Dr K V Raman, Director Health and Family Welfare, Government of Puducherry in
the presence of Dr. Chandrakant Lahariya of WHO and paediatricians from Puducherry
engaged with media persons.
“Pneumonia is the leading cause for under-five child
mortality in India. This is an important step by the Government to ensure that
preventable deaths caused by pneumonia and meningitis are addressed,” said Chandrakant
Lahariya, RI & New Vaccine Focal Person, WHO.
Dr.
K V Raman added, “The decision to use the pentavalent vaccine will result in
tremendous logistical conveniences. Since five vaccines are stored in a single
vial, a lot of space will be freed up for storage and transportation. Also, a
single auto-disable syringe will be used instead of three per child, thereby
substantially reducing the plastic and sharp waste as well. We are happy to
partner with UNICEF and GHS in this engagement programme with media which can
play an important role in dispelling myths and misconceptions associated.”
Mr. Kaushik Bose, Senior Manager, Global Health Strategies
said “These vaccines are available in the private market for a long time and
those who can afford them can protect their children. However the vaccine
should reach the population that needs them the most. By introducing
pentavalent vaccines in the state immunization programme, the Government of
Puducherry will save lives of many more children, who would not have access to
this vaccine otherwise. We congratulate the Government for the progressive
steps taken for the children in Puducherry.”
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)