Vaccines
Protect a child, protect a community.
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Every child is a precious gift, and as parents, we always want to ensure the health and safety of our children. Vaccines are our most powerful tool for preventing serious diseases that can harm children of all ages.
How do vaccines work?
Vaccines work by introducing a weakened or inactive form of a virus or bacteria to the body. This safely teaches the immune system to recognize and fight off the real infection. This not only protects your child from getting sick, but also helps create herd immunity, which indirectly protects those who can't be vaccinated, like newborns or people with weakened immune systems.
How are vaccines given?
A vaccine could be of single or multiple doses, some vaccines also require booster doses. They are given either through oral drops or injections.
What’s the situation in Egypt?
Egypt's Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) has been a success story in protecting children from preventable diseases. Thanks to the Ministry of Health and Population (MOHP)’s efforts that have been supported by UNICEF for more than 20 years, vaccination coverage for all children living in Egypt (including non-Egyptians) has soared above 95% . Egypt has been Polio-free since 2006. The country has also been off the list for Maternal and Neonatal Tetanus (MNT) endemic countries since 2007. In 2023, the WHO announced that Egypt eliminated Measles.
How do we make sure that the vaccine is valid and effective?
Supported by UNICEF and WHO, MOHP ensures the quality and efficacy of vaccines through the following criteria:
- Each bottle has production and expiration dates and another label called a "vaccine monitor" that indicates its validity. Vaccination teams and supervisors have been trained to review the validity of all bottles prior to distribution and given strict instructions to exclude any bottle in doubt.
- MoHP applies the "cold chain" system; a high quality system to ensure that each bottle of the vaccine is preserved from damage during transportation and storage. Cold chain is under the strict supervision of MoHP, WHO and UNICEF.
- The latest and most accurate safe injection methods are followed where Auto disabled (AD) syringes are used only once per vaccine.
What could risk this success?
Despite the remarkable progress of Egypt's EPI, a concerning trend of vaccine hesitancy threatens this success. While some parents may delay or miss vaccination due to logistical challenges or lack of awareness (as in the case of deprived and refugee communities), others harbor misconceptions about vaccine safety or effectiveness. They may falsely think they cause other health conditions, or believe they are no longer necessary due to the absence of new cases.
These gaps in vaccination coverage, particularly related to diseases perceived as ‘eliminated’, risks everyone’s lives. They may allow once-eradicated diseases like measles or polio to resurface, putting entire communities and countrie at risk.
Outbreaks can spread quickly, jeopardizing the health of not only unvaccinated children but also those with weakened immune systems who rely on herd immunity for protection.
How can we keep Egypt safe?
Keep vaccinating the children! If you’re an expecting parent for the first time, here’s what you need to know about routine and campaign immunization in Egypt.
Routine immunization
Download the full vaccination schedule in Egypt here
What is covered by routine immunization in Egypt?
- BCG vaccine against tuberculosis.
- Pentavalent vaccine against diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, hepatitis B and Haemophilus influenzae type B.
- Polio vaccine against polio.
- MMR vaccine against measles, mumps and rubella.
Where can I get my child vaccinated?
You can get your child vaccinated at the nearest Primary Healthcare Unit (PHU), hospital or private pediatric clinic. PHUs have designated date for some vaccines, so make sure to pass by them to ask for their schedule before taking your child.
How much do vaccination cost for Egyptians and non-Egyptians?
In Egypt, all routine vaccines are provided free of charge for both Egyptians and non-Egyptians according to official statements from the Egyptian Ministry of Health and population.
I skipped a dose of routine immunization, what shall I do?
If you missed a dose of your child's routine immunization, don't worry! Contact your pediatrician or the nearest primary healthcare unit as soon as possible. They can review your child's vaccination records and recommend the best course of action to get them back on track.
In most cases, your child can still receive the missed dose and their vaccination schedule can be adjusted accordingly.
My child is sick and his/her dose is due, what shall I do?
- Inform your pediatrician about your child's illness. They will advise you on whether to postpone the vaccination or proceed based on the severity of the illness.
- Generally, mild illnesses like a runny nose or a cough shouldn't delay vaccination. However, if your child has a fever, ear infection, or severe illness, it's best to wait until they recover before getting vaccinated.
Immunization campaign
What is an immunization campaign?
An immunization campaigns are special efforts by the Ministry of Health to ensure a high number of children are vaccinated within a short timeframe. Unlike routine immunization that covers all children, these campaigns target specific age groups and aim to:
- Increase vaccination coverage: They reach children who may not have access to routine vaccinations at health centers or haven't completed their recommended schedule.
- Control outbreaks: If a particular disease shows signs of increasing, a targeted campaign can quickly immunize a large number of people and prevent further spread.
- Maintain herd immunity: By ensuring a high vaccination rate in the population, even those who can't be vaccinated (like newborns or immunocompromised individuals) are indirectly protected.
When and where do they take place?
Campaigns often involve setting up temporary vaccination stations in schools, community centers, and even mobile units that travel to remote areas. This makes it easier for families to access vaccinations for their children. They take place once or twice a year.
Are all children eligible for immunization campaigns?
No, the ministry announces specific age group for each campaign according to the coverage strategy.
My child has just had his/her routine dose and there’s an ongoing campaign, shall I still vaccinate him/her with the campaign’s dose?
Yes, with the exception of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine at one year and one and a half years of age, it is preferable to have a 4-week interval between it and the campaign vaccine. If the child is due to turn one year old or one and a half years old during the campaign, it is preferable to give them the campaign vaccine and then wait for a month before giving them the routine MMR vaccine (unless the pediatrician advises otherwise).
How do I learn about immunization campaigns?
Follow UNICEF and the Ministry of Health and Population’s official social media channels for the announcements.