Port Shepstone Regional Hospital recently celebrated Pharmacy Month under the theme ‘Let’s Talk About Vaccines’.
“The event aimed to educate and raise awareness about the importance of vaccinations,” said the hospital’s PRO, Phumza Morai.
She said as custodians of medicine, the pharmacy department organised the event.
Pharmacy staff also distributed pamphlets on vaccine-preventable diseases.
“These pamphlets emphasised the importance of vaccinations for both children and adults. The patients were educated on vaccines being the most effective tools for preventing infectious diseases. Vaccines stimulate the immune system to recognise and fight pathogens, such as viruses and bacteria, without causing the disease itself. This process involves introducing a harmless component of the pathogen, known as an antigen, into the body,” she said.
She added that the immune system responds by producing antibodies, which are proteins that specifically target and neutralise the pathogen.
Morai said the use of vaccines has led to a significant reduction in many deadly diseases, including smallpox and polio.
Vaccines have also played a crucial role in controlling outbreaks of diseases such as measles, mumps, and rubella.
“These diseases, which were once common and often deadly, are now rare due to widespread vaccination efforts. Vaccines are continually monitored for safety and effectiveness, ensuring that they provide the best possible protection with minimal side effects,” said Morai.
She added that the initiative by the acting pharmacy manager, Senzo Simphiwe Mkhwanazi, pharmacists and pharmacy interns was praised by the hospital’s management.
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