- Vaccination with this new booster dose is free and will be carried out in all public and private vaccination centers in agreement with the country’s health services. This strategy has a compliance goal of vaccinating at least 90% of the target population reached this year.
The Seremi de Salud de Atacama, Jéssica Rojas Gahona, moved to CESFAM Pedro León Gallo in Copiapó to monitor the use of the reformed meningococcal serogroup B vaccine, which was included in the National Immunization Program from November 1 , 2024 (PNI). .
This is a vaccine aimed at babies aged 18 months who have completed their main vaccination schedule, based on the doses given at 2 and 4 months of age. This increase is essential to prevent serious infections, hospitalizations and even deaths caused by invasive infections of the bacteria Neisseria meningitidis.
At the time, the head of Atacama Health, Jéssica Rojas Gahona, said that “the vaccine is free and will be available in all public and private health centers in agreement with the SEREMI of Health. The aim is to achieve coverage of 90% of the target population, which in the Atacama region corresponds to approximately 3,665 children under 18 months of age. It should be noted that we have so far achieved a coverage of more than 95% with the two initial doses: at the end of October, coverage reached 98.5% for the first dose and 96.3% for the second dose. “
For her part, the nurse in charge of the PNI at CESFAM Pedro León Gallo, Alejandra Gallardo Rojas, said, “after giving any vaccination, it is important to follow some recommendations to guarantee the well-being of the minor . The health team recommends staying in the waiting room for 30 minutes to see any immediate reaction after the vaccination. At the same time, once at home, mothers and caregivers must pay attention to the care of the puncture site. “
“It is common that the area may become red, slightly swollen or cause discomfort, which may make the child more restless, tearful or irritable in the first 24 to 48 hours. To reduce these discomforts, it is advisable to apply cold compresses with clothes moistened with tap water, always avoiding the use of ice or cooling products directly on the skin. If the doctor has previously recommended an antipyretic, such as paracetamol, this can be given according to the instructions given. However, it is necessary not to self-medicate the child. If an unexpected reaction occurs or doubts persist, you should go to the nearest health center,” said Gallardo.
Finally, the director of CESFAM Pedro León Gallo, Nino Cabib Martínez, invited all the “mothers and fathers to come to the health centers to vaccinate the little ones. We aim to protect around 4 thousand boys and girls in the region and we have vaccines that are essential to save lives. Remember that this is a major process to take care of your sons and daughters health and they will be cared for by a team of well trained professionals. If you have questions, do not hesitate to come to our vaccination centers and talk to our nurses or TENS, who will be happy to guide you and resolve your concerns.”
2024-11-25 03:04:00
#Vaccination #coverage #bacterial #meningitis #improving #Atacama
**Looking beyond Atacama, how can the success of this vaccination program serve as a model for other regions facing similar public health challenges, and what lessons can be learned from the implementation process?**
## Interview: Protecting Our Children: A Look at the Meningococcal B Vaccine in Atacama
**Introduction:**
Welcome to World Today News, where we bring you insightful conversations on the issues shaping our world. Today, we’re joined by two distinguished guests to discuss the rollout of a new meningococcal B vaccine in the Atacama region of Chile.
Our first guest is Dr. [Guest 1 Name], a pediatrician with extensive experience in infectious diseases. Dr. [Guest 1 Name] will be sharing their expertise on the significance of this vaccine in preventing bacterial meningitis.
Joining us also is Ms. [Guest 2 Name], a regional health advocate who has been actively involved in promoting vaccination awareness in the Atacama community. Ms. [Guest 2 Name] will provide valuable insights into community perspectives and accessibility concerns surrounding the vaccine program.
**Section 1: Understanding the Threat**
* **Interviewer:**
Dr. [Guest 1 Name], can you shed some light on the dangers posed by Neisseria meningitidis and why a vaccine against this bacteria is so crucial, particularly for young children?
* **Interviewer:**
Ms. [Guest 2 Name], from a community perspective, what are the greatest concerns parents might have regarding bacterial meningitis and the potential benefits of this new vaccine?
**Section 2: Efficacy and Implementation**
* **Interviewer:**
Dr. [Guest 1 Name], what can you tell us about the efficacy of this reformed meningococcal Serogroup B vaccine, and how does it compare to previous versions?
* **Interviewer:**
Ms. [Guest 2 Name], Atacama has achieved impressive vaccination coverage rates with earlier doses. What strategies are being employed to ensure that the new booster dose reaches a similarly high percentage of the target population?
**Section 3: Addressing Concerns and Building Trust**
* **Interviewer:**
Dr. [Guest 1 Name], some parents might be hesitant about vaccinating their children. What are some of the common misconceptions surrounding vaccines, and how can we effectively address these concerns with evidence-based information?
* **Interviewer:**
Ms. [Guest 2 Name], what role do community health centers and organizations play in building trust and encouraging vaccine acceptance within the Atacama community?
**Section 4: Looking Ahead**
* **Interviewer:**
Dr. [Guest 1 Name], what are the long-term implications of widespread vaccination against meningococcal B? How can this program contribute to a healthier future for children in Atacama?
* **Interviewer:**
Ms. [Guest 2 Name], what message would you like to send to parents and caregivers in the Atacama region regarding the importance of vaccinating their children against meningococcal B?
**Closing:**
Thank you, Dr. [Guest 1 Name] and Ms. [Guest 2 Name], for sharing your invaluable insights on this critical public health issue. By working together, we can ensure that all children have the opportunity to live healthy and fulfilling lives.
