Not all childhood vaccines are covered by the government clinics – only the vaccines at birth, 6 weeks, 10 weeks and 14 weeks are identical to the private vaccines. Unfortunately the government clinics do not give the following vaccines:
- Chicken Pox
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)
- Hepatitis A
- Meningococcal Meningitis
These vaccines are given only privately from 9 months of age and most medical aids do pay for them. Children at crèche and preschool are presenting with chicken pox and mumps every month and last year I treated two patients with meningococcal meningitis. Hepatitis A is easy to pick up as it is transmitted hand to mouth. Recently there was a small outbreak of Diphtheria. Booster vaccines are available for diphtheria prophylaxis.
Vaccines have an excellent track record of success, virtually eliminating measles and poliomyelitis – most parents are actively vaccinating.
My advice to parents is to vaccinate as soon as possible!
With 30 years of experience treating new-borns and children up to 16 years of age, Dr Moethilalh, a graduate of the College of Paediatricians of South Africa in 1984, is well experienced to nurture sick children back to health and allay anxious parents, grandparents and caregivers with detailed counselling on illness, treatment and follow up. Dr Moethilalh set up and managed a Paediatric Ward/ICU/Neonatal unit from 1985 to present. His policy is never to say NO to a sick child and he can be contacted out of usual working hours. He has medical practices in Umhlanga, Isipingo, Kingsway and Scottburgh.
New vaccines are now available for Hepatitis A, Meningitis and Chicken Pox.
By Dr Moethilalh.