Over 100-million infants saved by global immunisation in the last 50 years
Here is what you need to know about immunisation.
April 24 to 30 marks World Immunisation Week.
The South African government offers free immunisation at state clinics.
South African babies get their first immunisation at birth.
It helps to strengthen children's immune system to fight diseases. Vaccines reduce the risks of getting a disease by working with your body’s natural defences to build protection, reports WHO.
READ: Mass 'real world' study confirms Pfizer vaccine's efficacy
It also states that vaccines prevent more than 20 life-threatening diseases. These include polio, measles, hepatitis B, diphtheria, tuberculosis (TB), and meningitis.
Immunisation saves millions of lives every year. WHO states that 'immunisation currently prevents 3.5-5 million deaths every year' and 'global immunisation efforts have saved an estimated 154 million lives – or the equivalent of 6 lives every minute of every year – over the past 50 years'.
Children now receive vaccination against cervical cancer.
The government announced that 'starting in 2014, each year girls who turn 9 years of age also receive immunisation against cervical cancer as part of the school health programme'.
Currently, government schools require vaccination certificates before enrolling your child in their school.
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