Wallflower of the Jeepney: Rotavirus Vaccine to be part of the Expanded Program for Immunization

Saturday, January 21, 2012

Rotavirus Vaccine to be part of the Expanded Program for Immunization

Being a nurse means a lot of responsibility. The uniqueness of nursing has its focus on the care of the client, the community and society. Nurses provide care for the sick and are the first providers of primary health care, wellness and self- care.

So when I was invited to an event that talks about improving the lives of our Filipino people, especially targeted for the infants, I was so glad and excited to present this post to everyone since I am a nurse. I could relay this post to my fellow nurses as well and truly they will appreciate it, and maybe support the program afterwards. Not only nurses will benefit from this program but what the Department of Health or DOH will be targeting are the Filipino families.

So what's this for?

Do you remember the days when you experienced DIARRHEA? If not, maybe your loved ones or friends may have experienced it and recount the story to you how bad it was. Really, it is no joke. In fact, Diarrhea is the second leading cause of death of children aged less than 5 years old not only here in the Philippines but worldwide as well. Everyday, 1,500 children around the globe die because of ROTAVIRUS-RELATED DIARRHEA.

via. Rotavirus under microscope.

Diarrhea affects nutrient absorption. It leads to lasting impact on the growth and development of a child. In fact, it has been calculated that children who are regularly suffering from it in the first 2 years of life can lead to a loss of 10 IQ points and 12mos. of schooling by age 9 years.

Rotavirus infection often causes vomiting, which makes oral rehydration theraphy far less effective. It is highly contagious and stable in the environment. It can survive on hands for hours, on solid surfaces for days and remains stable and infectious in stools for a week.

via. Signs and Symptoms of Rotavirus Diarrhea

The treatment? Nothing. Since it's a virus, not a bacteria. But it is highly preventable through vaccination.

The WHO Strategic Advisory Group of Experts (SAGE) recommends that rotavirus vaccines should be included in all national immunization programs, particularly in countries where diarrhea deaths account for more that 10% in children younger than 5 years. In the Philippines, diarrheal deaths account for at least 12% among children under five.

"We need to be serious about saving our children from the grip of this burdensome but highly preventable disease. And there is no better way than to vaccinate our children to protect them from rotavirus." --- According to Dr. Salvacion Gatchalian, Director, Clinical R&D and Medical Affairs from GlaxoSmithKline Philippines. "If properly implemented, the Philippines may be the VERY FIRST COUNTRY IN ASIA TO INCLUDE ROTAVIRUS VACCINE IN OUR NATIONAL IMMUNIZATION PROGRAM."

Rotavirus Vaccination in the Expanded Program for Immunization (EPI) for The Department of Health is aligned to P-Noy's direction of Universal Health Care Program. This is to reduce the infant mortality rate of Filipino infants.

ROTAVIRUS VACCINE is the most effective way to prevent diarrhea and is best given to babies as early as 6 weeks up to 8 months of age. It is administered ORALLY with 2-3 doses, depending on the brand of the drug.