Newborns in Peru Receive Critical Vaccines Within First 24 Hours of Life
In Peru,the Ministry of Health (minsa) is ensuring that newborns are protected against life-threatening diseases from the moment they enter the world. According to the national vaccination schedule, every baby must receive the Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine and the pediatric hepatitis B (hvb) vaccine within the first 24 hours of life. These vaccines are crucial in safeguarding infants against severe forms of childhood tuberculosis and hepatitis B.
Both vaccines are provided free of charge at Minsa and Social health security (essalud) hospitals. Health personnel inform new mothers about the importance of these vaccines immediately after childbirth. “The baby should not leave the hospital without its vaccines,” emphasized magdalena Quepuy Izarra, executive director of Immunizations at the Minsa. This early intervention strengthens the infant’s immune system and sets the foundation for a healthy start to life.
Vaccination Progress in 2024
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The latest data reveals promising progress in Peru’s vaccination efforts. In 2024, 78% of newborns received the BCG vaccine, while 72% were vaccinated against hepatitis B. Though, quepuy urged parents to ensure their babies receive these vaccines promptly, as delays can leave infants vulnerable to preventable diseases.
For premature babies or those weighing less than 1500 grams, the administration of vaccines requires medical guidance. Once the baby reaches a healthy weight, the vaccination process can begin.
Minsa’s Commitment to Global Protection
The Minsa has prioritized ensuring that all newborns, nonetheless of their location, have access to these life-saving vaccines. The ministry allocates a dedicated budget to purchase and distribute vaccines to hospitals and maternal and child centers across the country. Additionally, vaccination brigades are deployed to remote and hard-to-reach areas, where home births are common, to ensure no baby is left unprotected.
Key Takeaways
| Vaccine | Purpose | Coverage in 2024 |
|———————-|——————————————|———————-|
| BCG | Protects against severe childhood tuberculosis | 78% |
| Hepatitis B (HvB) | Prevents pediatric hepatitis B | 72% |
A Call to Action for Parents
Quepuy’s message to parents is clear: “A newborn must receive these vaccines within the first 24 hours of life.” By adhering to the vaccination schedule, parents can ensure their children are shielded from preventable diseases. The Minsa’s efforts to make these vaccines accessible nationwide underscore its commitment to public health.
For more details on Peru’s vaccination programs, visit the Ministry of Health’s official website.
Protecting newborns is not just a health priority—it’s a shared responsibility. Let’s work together to ensure every child in Peru has the best possible start in life.
Ensuring a Healthy Start: Peru’s Commitment to Vaccinating Newborns within 24 Hours of Birth
In Peru, the Ministry of Health (Minsa) is taking decisive steps to protect newborns from life-threatening diseases by administering critical vaccines within the first 24 hours of life. This initiative, which includes the Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine and the pediatric hepatitis B (HvB) vaccine, is a cornerstone of the country’s public health strategy. Senior Editor Maria Lopez of world-today-news.com sat down with Dr. Magdalena Quepuy Izarra, Executive Director of Immunizations at Minsa, to discuss the program’s progress, challenges, and its impact on infant health.
The Importance of Early Vaccination
Maria Lopez: Dr. Quepuy, can you explain why administering these vaccines within the first 24 hours of life is so critical?
Dr. Magdalena Quepuy Izarra: Absolutely. The BCG vaccine protects against severe forms of childhood tuberculosis, which can be devastating for infants. Similarly, the hepatitis B vaccine prevents a disease that can lead to chronic liver conditions or even fatal outcomes if untreated. By vaccinating newborns immediately, we strengthen their immune systems and provide a foundation for a healthy start in life.
maria Lopez: What message do you have for parents who might hesitate or delay vaccination?
Dr. Magdalena Quepuy Izarra: The message is clear: a newborn must receive these vaccines within the first 24 hours of life. Delays can leave infants vulnerable to preventable diseases, and timely vaccination is a simple yet powerful step to ensure their protection.
Vaccination Progress in 2024
Maria Lopez: Let’s talk about the progress in 2024. What are the latest coverage rates for these vaccines?
Dr. Magdalena Quepuy Izarra: In 2024, we achieved 78% coverage for the BCG vaccine and 72% for hepatitis B.This is promising, but there’s room for advancement. We’re working to reach every newborn, especially in remote areas where home births are common.
Maria Lopez: What about premature babies or those with specific health conditions?
Dr. Magdalena Quepuy Izarra: For premature babies or those weighing less than 1500 grams, we require medical guidance. Once they reach a healthy weight, we begin the vaccination process. Our priority is to ensure safety while maintaining the urgency of vaccination.
Minsa’s Commitment to Nationwide access
Maria Lopez: How does Minsa ensure that all newborns have access to these vaccines, regardless of their location?
Dr. Magdalena Quepuy Izarra: Minsa allocates a dedicated budget to purchase and distribute vaccines to hospitals and maternal and child centers nationwide. we also deploy vaccination brigades to remote and hard-to-reach areas. these brigades are essential in ensuring that no baby is left unprotected, even in regions where home births are prevalent.
Key Takeaways from the Initiative
Maria Lopez: Can you summarize the key outcomes of this initiative?
Dr. Magdalena Quepuy Izarra: Certainly. The BCG vaccine protects against severe childhood tuberculosis, with a coverage rate of 78% in 2024. The hepatitis B vaccine, which prevents pediatric hepatitis B, achieved 72% coverage.These vaccines are free of charge, and our goal is to reach 100% coverage in the coming years.
A Call to action for Parents
Maria Lopez: What is your final message to parents in Peru?
Dr. Magdalena Quepuy Izarra: Protecting newborns is not just a health priority—it’s a shared responsibility. Parents must ensure their babies receive these vaccines promptly. Together, we can ensure every child in Peru has the best possible start in life.
For more details on Peru’s vaccination programs, visit the Ministry of Health’s official website.