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[av_heading heading=’ Vaccines safe, effective – DOH’ tag=’h3′ style=’blockquote modern-quote’ size=” subheading_active=’subheading_below’ subheading_size=’15’ padding=’10’ color=” custom_font=”][/av_heading]
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Sunday, April 16, 2017
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ILOILO City – Amid conflicting information on vaccination, the Department of Health (DOH) Region 6 reiterated its confidence on the safety and effectiveness of vaccines in preventing diseases and infections.
Dr. Mary Jane Roches Juanico, DOH-6 medical officer III, said any licensed vaccine is rigorously tested before it is approved for use, regularly reassessed and constantly monitored for side effects.
“In the rare event a serious side effect is reported, it is immediately investigated,” she said.
DOH-6 is slated to commemorate the World Immunization Week this year from April 24 to 30.
Juanico said vaccination protects children from diseases like diphtheria, measles, mumps, and pertussis or whooping cough and failure to vaccinate leaves children and adults vulnerable to diseases, complications or even death.
The immune response to vaccines is similar to the one produced by natural infection but less risky, Juanico added.
“For example, a natural infection can lead to cognitive impairments from Haemophilus influenza type b, birth defects from congenital rubella infection or irreversible paralysis from polio,” she explained.
Juanico also clarified that giving of several vaccines at the same time has no negative effect on a child’s immune system but reduces discomfort for the child and saves time and money.
“Children are more exposed to more antigens from a common cold than they are from vaccines,” she said.
When people are not vaccinated, infectious diseases that have become uncommon quickly reappear even with better hygiene, sanitation, and access to safe water, said Juanico. (PIA-Iloilo/PN)
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