Paraguay Introduces Hexavalent Vaccine to Strengthen Immunization for Children
Asunción, IP Agency – In a significant move to enhance the immunization of children aged 2, 4, 6, and 18 months, Paraguay has begun administering the acellular hexavalent pediatric vaccine. This new vaccine provides protection against six diseases, including diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), poliomyelitis, haemophilus influenza type b, and hepatitis B.
The implementation of this vaccine marks an unprecedented step towards improving Paraguay’s National Vaccination Plan, replacing the pentavalent and anti-polio vaccines. The Paraguayan Pediatric Society (SPP) has expressed its support for this progress through its “Vaccinating is Power” campaign.
Ernesto Weber, the president of the Paraguayan Pediatric Society (SPP), stated, “The introduction of the acellular hexavalent vaccine to Paraguay’s regular vaccination scheme is a great step for public health in Paraguay, which becomes the second country to incorporate it in the Southern Cone, after Chile, and the fourth in Latin America. But the most benefited are our infants, who will receive -in a single vaccine- a powerful defense against six potentially fatal diseases.”
The hexavalent vaccine reduces the number of injections children need to receive, resulting in less pain for them due to its acellular components and less stress for their parents.
While this vaccine has been available privately for years, this achievement ensures that all boys and girls will have access to the same vaccine for free at all authorized vaccination centers by the Ministry of Health.
The Paraguayan Pediatric Society (SPP) has played a crucial role in supporting this initiative through its “Vaccinating is Power” campaign.
Under the new immunization scheme, children born from April 2023 will receive the first dose of the hexavalent vaccine at 2 months of age, the second dose at 4 months, the third dose at 6 months, the first booster at 18 months, and complete the second booster with IPV and DPT at 4 years.
Specialists from the SPP urge citizens to recognize the importance of following vaccination schedules, emphasizing that vaccines are safe, protect, and save lives.
Paraguay now joins Panama (2016), Chile (2018), and Mexico (2019) as the fourth country in Latin America to incorporate hexavalent vaccines into the national calendar.
The acellular hexavalent vaccine has received the recommendation of the National Immunization Advisory Technical Committee (cotenai) to be included in the National Vaccination Plan.
This introduction of the hexavalent vaccine in Paraguay represents a significant milestone in public health, ensuring the well-being and protection of children against multiple diseases.
How does the acellular hexavalent vaccine improve the safety and efficacy of immunization compared to its predecessors?
Guay is a significant milestone in our efforts to protect children from multiple diseases. This new vaccine not only strengthens our immunization program but also simplifies the vaccination process by combining protection against six diseases into one shot.”
The acellular hexavalent vaccine is considered safer and more effective than its predecessors. It is made using components of the diseases it protects against, rather than the whole bacteria or virus. This reduces the risk of severe side effects and ensures a higher immune response. The vaccine will be administered via injection, following the standard immunization schedule.
Dr. María Antonieta Gavilán, the director of the Immunization Program at the Ministry of Public Health and Social Welfare, emphasized the importance of this new vaccine. She said, “By introducing the hexavalent vaccine, we are providing our children with the best protection available against these six diseases. This will not only improve their health but also contribute to the overall goal of eradicating preventable diseases in Paraguay.”
The transition to the hexavalent vaccine was made possible through collaboration between the Ministry of Public Health and Social Welfare, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), and other international partners. This partnership ensured the availability and affordability of the vaccine, making it accessible to all children in Paraguay.
The introduction of the acellular hexavalent vaccine is expected to have a significant impact on reducing the burden of vaccine-preventable diseases in Paraguay. It is a crucial step in achieving the country’s goal of increasing vaccination coverage and improving child healthcare.
Dr. Gavilán urged parents and caregivers to take advantage of this opportunity and bring their children for vaccination. She reiterated, “Vaccinating our children is a powerful way to protect them from diseases that can cause serious harm and even death. I encourage all parents to ensure their children receive the hexavalent vaccine and stay up to date with the rest of the immunization schedule.”
With the implementation of the hexavalent vaccine, Paraguay continues to prioritize the health and well-being of its children. This collaborative effort between the government, healthcare professionals, and international partners is a testament to the commitment towards a healthier future for the nation’s youngest population.
This is a significant milestone for Paraguay’s healthcare system. The introduction of the acellular hexavalent pediatric vaccine not only strengthens immunization efforts but also ensures enhanced protection for children against a wide range of diseases. Kudos to the authorities for prioritizing the health and well-being of the younger population.