|
Why it is important to share and act on information about
IMMUNIZATION
Each year, 1.7 million children die from diseases that could have
been prevented with readily available vaccines. Children who are
immunized are protected from these dangerous diseases, which often lead
to disability or death. All children have the right to this
protection.
Every girl and boy needs to be immunized. And pregnant women need to
be immunized to protect themselves and their infants from tetanus.
It is essential that all parents know why, when, where and how many
times the child should be immunized. Parents also need to know that it
is safe to immunize the child even if the child has
an illness or a disability or is suffering from malnutrition.
-
|
What every family and community has a right to know about
IMMUNIZATION
1. Immunization is urgent. Every child needs a series of
immunizations during the first year of life.
2. Immunization protects against several dangerous diseases. A child
who is not immunized is more likely to suffer illness, become
permanently disabled or become undernourished and die.
3. It is safe to immunize a child who has a minor illness, a
disability or who is malnourished.
4. All pregnant women need to be protected against tetanuss. Even if
the woman was immunized earlier, she may need additional tetanus toxoid
vaccinations. Check with a health worker for
advice and tetanus toxoid immunization.
5. A new or sterile needle and syringe must be used for every person
being immunized. People should insist on this.
6. Disease can spread quickly when people are crowded together. All
children living in congested conditions, particularly in refugee or
disaster situations, should be immunized immediately, especially
against measles.
|
|
Supporting information for key messages: 1
2
3
4
5 6
|