The theme for African Vaccination Week 2016 is “Close the immunisation gap – stay polio free”
The theme draws attention on the need to attain universal immunisation coverage in the African Region by closing the immunisation gap.
It is also a celebration of the important polio eradication milestone that has been reached in the African Region, and calls on countries to stay vigilant in the fight against polio, and stay polio free.
Although most babies are born with protection against certain diseases, which they get from antibodies from their mother’s placenta and build up resistance against diseases as they become exposed to them, this protection is not sufficient when it comes to certain diseases. To protect against these, children should be vaccinated.
Vaccinations help eliminate diseases that once injured or killed thousands of children. One example of the great impact vaccines can have relates to polio, a highly infectious disease caused by a virus that invades the nervous system and can cause total paralysis in a matter of hours. As a result of the Global Polio Eradication campaign, “polio cases have decreased by over 99% since 1988, from an estimated 350 000 cases then, to 650 reported cases in 2011”, reports the World Health Organisation.
Immunisations can also save your family time and money, says the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. “A child with a vaccine-preventable disease can be kept out of schools or daycare facilities. A prolonged illness can take a financial toll because of lost time at work, medical bills or long-term disability care. In comparison, getting vaccinated against these diseases is a good investment and usually covered by insurance,” it observes.

What are vaccinations?

Vaccinations are a way of creating immunity by injecting certain weakened diseased bacteria or viruses into the body. The immune system responds by producing antibodies to prevent any future infections of the same disease.

Where do I go to have my child vaccinated?

Your local clinic, pediatrician or private community health centre such as pharmacies.

How much do vaccinations cost?

They are free.

Visit Nigel Clinic or Alrapark Clinic today to ensure your baby receives the treatment he/she deserves to grow up strong and healthy.