There are almost 1800 newborn deaths so far this year. Acellular vaccines enter the field of prevention – Caretas Salud

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In Peru, almost 30% of newborn deaths are due to premature birth, according to data from the Ministry of Health (Minsa). Therefore, in the month in which World Prematurity Day is celebrated, it is important to be aware of the risk of death at this vulnerable stage.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a baby born before completing 37 weeks of pregnancy is considered “premature”. If born before 32 weeks it is “very premature”; and if it is before 28 weeks it is considered “extremely premature.”

Globally, prematurity is the leading cause of death in babies and Peru is no stranger to this fact. In that sense, so far in 2024, the National Center for Epidemiology, Prevention and Disease Control (CDC) has recorded 1,765 newborn deaths. Of this group, 29.9% are the result of premature birth.

“Premature babies usually have a very low birth weight, plus they haven’t completed every week of gestation. These conditions make them very vulnerable to suffering from diseases that could be prevented by vaccination,” said Ofelina Vergara, Vaccine Medical Manager at Sanofi.

Immunization is very important for the whole population, but it is especially important among groups that need more protection. In particular, premature newborns need more attention and care because their immune system is more vulnerable and they are more susceptible to various infectious diseases.

This is where acellular vaccines have a unique role to play. This type of vaccine, like the hexavalent vaccine, reduces the likelihood of side effects, and protects against six diseases, such as diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, Haemophilus influenzae type B, hepatitis B and polio .

“One of the main advantages of the hexavalent vaccine, by protecting against a greater number of diseases, is that fewer injections are needed, which avoids stress and discomfort in the baby, and which also represents significant savings for the country,” said Dr. Vergara.

The main feature of acellular vaccines is that they identify and isolate specific fractions of the bacteria, which reduces vaccine side effects, and are less painful, safe and effective for babies.

Therefore, on the World Day of Prematurity it is important to celebrate acellular vaccination as an essential strategy in the care and protection of premature babies that allows them to strengthen their immune system and prevent different types of diseases and infectious bacteria.