Monagas hospital Reports Record Immunizations for Newborns
The university Hospital ”Dr. Manuel Núñez Tovar” (Humnt) in Monagas state has achieved a milestone in pediatric healthcare, administering vaccines to 5,130 newborns against BCG and hepatitis B.This record number, facilitated by the hospital’s immunization service and the Expanded Immunization Program (PAI), underscores a meaningful commitment to public health in the region, according to officials at the Ministry of Popular Power for Health (MPPS).
The comprehensive vaccination effort extends beyond births within the hospital,encompassing infants arriving for initial immunizations via external consultations. This proactive approach, coupled with vaccinations for pregnant women, aims to establish a robust shield of collective protection against preventable diseases from the earliest stages of life.
Eudis Orozco, PAI coordinator, detailed the program’s integrated operation across key hospital departments – puerperium, gynecoobstetrics, neonatology, and prenatal consultation - maximizing reach to the target population. “The program operates transversely in various crucial areas of the hospital…ensuring maximum coverage for the target population,” Orozco explained.
Beyond newborn vaccinations,the service has administered 247 doses of tetanus toxoid to pregnant women. This is crucial, as the vaccine not only protects the mother but also transfers antibodies to the baby, providing vital protection against neonatal tetanus during the first vulnerable months.
A dedicated team of four vaccinators and one assistant drives the program’s success, conducting monthly informational sessions for parents. these sessions emphasize the importance of vaccination and maintaining accurate vaccination records for their children. “the work of the PAI at the Central Hospital is of vital importance to public health, since it establishes a barrier of collective protection against preventable diseases from the first moments of life,” Orozco stressed.
The Dr.Manuel Núñez Tovar University Hospital’s achievement reinforces its dedication to preventative care, strengthening maternal and infant health, and adhering to national immunization standards, ultimately contributing to the well-being of families in Monagas state.
