WHY VACCINES ARE VERY IMPORTANT FOR CHILDREN

ANNA LEAH V. GATUS

As one of the deployed nurses of the Department of Health, I play a vital role, one is implementing the programs of the department such as imparting knowledge to the community. It is very important to know what are the available resources that they could avail and to be utilized.

The Department of Health is giving free vaccines especially to newborn as to prevent the possible complications that a child may acquire. The vaccines are available in every barangay health center. And it is not only the community its target but also the students who are enrolled in public schools. That is why there had been a partnership together with the Department of Education so as to continue in rendering the service being provided to the community.

It is recently that one vaccine has been given to Grade 4 females students which is called Quadrivalent Human Papillomavirus Recombinant Vaccine. This vaccines contains 4 Types 6, 11, 16 and 18. (Gardasil). The vaccine prevents from acquiring genital warts and cervical cancer. And these questions are frequently ask…

What is HPV and why it is dangerous?

HPV (Human Papillomavirus) is one of the leading cause of death like cervical cancer which is common to females. It can also lead In having warts and cancer on genital area of male and female. And statistic says that 12 Filipina die everyday of cervical cancer because of the HPV.

How to prevent the disease caused by HPV?

The disease caused by HPV can be prevented by having a well-balance diet and healthy lifestyle (prevent from smoking and drinking alcohol), exercise and regular consultation to your physician for Pap Smear or Visual Inspection using acetic acid (VIA) and vaccination of anti-cervical cancer.

What are the possible effects of the vaccine?

Doctor recommends that the route of administration of the drug would be intramuscular on the upper part of the arm which is the deltoid. Usually the side effects of the drug would be pain on the site, edema and fever. And in some instance fainting after vaccination. And the student after immunized is allowed to take a rest for about 10 to 15 minutes.

What should be done after the student has been immunize?

The student must be informed of what is the importance of being vaccinated and also the possible complications that maybe acquire if one has not been vaccinated. Proper explanation that a disease can be prevented if the student is immunize.

It is in this matter, that we all need to participate and work hand in hand especially the community for us to understand why vaccines are very important for their children and keep them away from diseases…