THE PAEDIATRIC Association of Jamaica (PAJ) recently published immunisation policy guidelines for children. Dr. Judy Tapper, president of the Asso-ciation said the guidelines were published to advise parents of vaccines that are recommended and available for children but which are not on the public sector's immunisation schedule. The additional vaccines are Hepatitis B vaccine against the viral infection that can harm the liver, Haemophilus Influenza Vaccine and Varicella against chickenpox. Dr. Tapper said parents who can afford these vaccines should avail themselves of them in order to improve "herd immunity".
Here are the PAJ's policy guidelines:
BCG vaccine against tuberculosis (TB) given between birth and six weeks.
Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus (DPT) given at 6-8 weeks; 4 and 6 months with a booster at 15-18 months and 4-6 years. DTaP is a recommended alternative to DTwP. DTaP may be considered for subsequent vaccination in children with moderate side effects.
Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) given at 6-8 weeks; 4 and 6 months with a booster at 15-18 months and 4-6 years. IPV recommended for immuno compromised patient. Td OPV booster is recommended on entering High School at 11 to 13 years.
Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine two doses after their first birthday; the first dose should be routinely administered at 12-15 months, booster administered on entry to primary school, 4-6 years old.
Hepatitis B vaccine has two schedules either at birth, 1-2 months and 6-18 months or 6-8 weeks, 4 months and six months. If not given in the first year it should be given at entry into high school or to adolescents at any time. The preferred schedule after age one is for doses at 0, 1, and 6 months.
Haemophilus influenzae vaccine given at 6-8 weeks, 4 and 6 months with a booster at 15-18 months.
Varicella (against chickenpox) recommended after 12 months of age. A single dose given to children under 12 years and two doses are given at 4-8 week intervals to children over 12 years and to adults.
