Next to antibiotics, immunisation is considered to probably be the medical intervention that has saved most lives worlwide. Yet for most parents it remains a bit of a mistery – what are these diseases with the big names, how does a vaccine work, and what about all the stories I’m hearing from various sources?
Immunisation is the core service at our practice. This blog aims to decipher and explain both the diseases we immunise against and our immunisation programme. We also share interesting facts and new research. If you are one of those parents who ask a lot of questions and always try to understand the what’s and why’s, this blog is for you!
Meningococcal disease is a serious and potentially life-threatening infection caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis. Although it is relatively rare, it can progress very quickly and have devastating consequences, particularly in young children and adolescents. Understanding the risks, symptoms, and prevention options is key to protecting your family. What is Meningococcal Disease? Meningococcal disease
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Measles is a highly contagious childhood illness that, prior to the introduction of a measles vaccine in 1963, caused an estimated 2,6million deaths each year. As time passes and through successful vaccination campaigns this number has been slowly dwindling. During 2000– 2018, measles vaccination prevented an estimated 23.2 million deaths, according to the World Health
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There is no doubt that vaccination revolutionized global health. Through vaccination both smallpox and rinderpest have been eradicated. Since the WHO’s Expanded Program of immunization (EPI) was introduced in 1974, polio has almost been eradicated and measles have been successfully controlled. While most parents are diligent with taking their babies for their vaccinations, adult vaccinations
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South Africa’s immunisation programme already saves thousands of lives. We are blessed to have an immunisation programme (EPI) that is funded by our Department of Health, as this is not the case in all countries. But did you know that apart from the diseases on our EPI there are 7 additional diseases that can be
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Many parents are concerned as they have heard that there are two different vaccination programmes and they don’t know which one to opt for. The good news is that this not really the case. All children in South Africa are immunised according to the government’s vaccination program. In addition to this there are extra vaccines
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