Prevent diseases with vaccination

The annual 10-Day Vaccination Campaign is set to begin on October 20 to prevent influenza and influenza-like illnesses ahead of peak cold season.

The campaign is being organized for the 24th year under the theme “Let’s fight diseases together through vaccination”.

Chairman of the National Vaccine Advisory Committee and State Honored Health Worker P.Nyamdavaa gave a brief interview about the campaign.

How enthusiastic is the public about the 10-day vaccination campaign? What should the campaign focus on to increase public involvement?

Parents need to know what kinds of vaccines their children should get at certain age in order to prevent diseases. Compulsory procedures should be included in the execution of some laws and regulations. For example, in the USA, children must get vaccinated for measles to enroll in school. Schools don’t accept children if they haven’t been vaccinated.

It’s important to cooperate with media organizations to disseminate correct understanding about vaccination.

Mongolia has been ranked relatively high for its vaccination rate in the last decade. However, a significantly large number of people died due to measles in 2016. Was this connected to the stoppage of vaccination?

Even if the vaccination rate is high, there are many reasons the effectiveness of vaccines can weaken, including its quality and transportation. Mongolia managed to reduce child mortality by controlling the prevalence of hepatitis B and measles.

What kind of viral diseases are most common among children under the age of 15?

Under the government approval, 11 types of vaccines against flu and influenza are provided in Mongolia. Children and young people don’t know some of them. In general, infants and elderly people should be regularly vaccinated. The immune system of each person is different, which varies the effectiveness of vaccines. However, getting vaccinated doesn’t mean you will absolutely not get sick.