Keywords
Citation
(2013), "Abu Dhabi - New vaccination against rotavirus for babies in Abu Dhabi", International Journal of Health Care Quality Assurance, Vol. 26 No. 8. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJHCQA.06226haa.010
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Abu Dhabi - New vaccination against rotavirus for babies in Abu Dhabi
Article Type:
News and views
From:
International Journal of Health Care Quality Assurance, Volume 26, Issue 8
Keywords: Vaccination programmes in Abu Dhabi, Rotavirus infection and immunisations of babies, Public healthcare programmes
Thousands of babies across the emirate of Abu Dhabi are expected to be immunised against the rotavirus by the end of this year, following the launch of a new vaccination campaign by the Health Authority Abu Dhabi (HAAD).
Based on birth statistics of previous years, this could mean that nearly 16,000 babies are protected against the virus, which is responsible for severe diarrhoea and vomiting in young children, Dr Badreyya Al Shehhi, senior officer for vaccination at the Health Authority Abu Dhabi (HAAD), told Gulf News in the capital on Sunday.
“A rotavirus infection can last between three to eight days, and the worst cases can result in sufferers being admitted to hospital. As a result, prevention of the illness through immunisation is an important step towards reducing the frequency and length of hospital stays, Dr Badreyya said.
“The vaccines are now available free of charge to all residents at public healthcare facilities in the emirate, she added.
The rotavirus is a highly infectious pathogen that is found in the stool of infected people. It is transmitted by unwashed hands, contaminated surfaces and objects. Worldwide, the rotavirus is the most common cause of severe childhood diarrhoea.
In 2009-2010, the virus was responsible for 50 per cent of all cases of gastroenteritis (inflammation of stomach and small intestine) recorded at one UAE hospital, said Dr Farida Al Hosani, manager of communicable diseases at the HAAD.
Based on hospital notifications to the HAAD over the last three years, the infection tends to peak during the summer months between April and July.
Children are especially vulnerable to rotavirus infections due to their weaker immune systems. Officials explained that nearly every child between the ages of three to five years is prone to infection by the rotavirus if a vaccine is not administered. According to World Health Organisation statistics, after a few years of administering vaccines, countries however saw a 40 to 90 per cent decrease in cases of gastroenteritis by rotavirus.
“Maintaining hygiene is extremely important to stop the transmission of the virus. But vaccination is the only sure method to prevent infection, Dr Baddreya explained.
In Abu Dhabi, the vaccines have been available over the last few years at private healthcare facilities. From today, two types of vaccines will also be available at all public hospitals and clinics. One is prescribed in two doses, at the ages of two months and four months, while the other is taken in three doses at two months, four months, and six to eight months.
“They must however be administered within the specified time period, as research suggests that there could be a theoretical risk of intestinal obstruction if the vaccines are taken later, Dr Badreyya stressed.
The vaccines can be taken safely along with other vaccines included in the UAE childhood immunisation programme. But they are not recommended for children who have an allergy to their components, as well as for those who are on immunosuppressant drugs or have other bowel disorders.
“Abu Dhabi residents are not worried about the safety of vaccines in general, but they tend to forget the timing of certain doses. This is why we urge parents to commit to the vaccination schedules, added Dr Badreyya.
The vaccines against the rotavirus have also been adopted on a national level by the UAEs National Vaccination Committee, officials added.
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