Shots to stop diseases in their tracks

AFRICAN Vaccination Week, runs from 23 to 29 April and forms part of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) international effort to prevent the spread of dangerous diseases through raising awareness about the importance of vaccines. It is aimed at emphasising that vaccines can significantly improve the health of communities if enough people are vaccinated. This year’s theme is,  ‘Vaccines work, Do your part’.

Government Employees Medical Scheme (GEMS) Executive: Healthcare Management, Dr Vuyo Gqola said: “Vaccinations provide effective protection against a number of serious illnesses such as polio, diphtheria, mumps, measles and tetanus among others. We should all ensure that our families, children in particular, are vaccinated in line with the recommendations of the Department of Health.

“There are additional vaccines available, such as the influenza vaccine, that are optional and can help support the immune system in resisting specific infectious viruses and bacteria that pose significant health risks.”

Read also – Brace for ‘severe strain of flu‘ this winter

“Personal health and community health are deeply interrelated. When people get vaccinated against a particular illness or disease, they are not only protecting themselves but are also helping to protect their communities. This is because when more people develop immunity to a particular infectious disease, the fewer opportunities for it to be passed on to other people who may be more susceptible,” says Dr Gqola.

In 2014, the South African Department of Health rolled out a school–based Human Papillomavirus (HVP) vaccination campaign for the prevention of cervical cancer, aimed at all girls aged nine years and older.

Read also – Health department warns of deadly disease outbreak 

“There is an established link between certain strains of HPV and cervical cancer, which is a leading cause of death for women in South Africa. The girls who have received the HPV vaccine will have a considerably reduced risk of developing cervical cancer and several other types of cancer.”

“It is in the best interests of our children’s welfare, ourselves, our communities, and our country to stop diseases in their tracks through ensuring we are vaccinated against illnesses that can be prevented through this means,” he said.

Like the Northglen News’ Facebook page and follow us on Twitter to keep up-to-date with local news.