KALBE TAKE CARE CHILDREN FROM EARLY THROUGH VACCINES

Jakarta, May 26, 2023 – PT Kalbe Farma Tbk or Kalbe,through its subsidiary PT Kalventis Sinergi Farma,is educating the public on the important roles of primary and booster vaccines, specifically in raising the awareness of parents on their children’s health since early ages. Because the children need time for their natural immunity systems to fight certain viruses, a specific immunity response through a vaccination is essential in preventing severe diseases or plagues.

"Vaccinations are important for strengthening our immunity systems. Through these vaccinations, we train our immunity systems to identify and respond to potential threats such as viruses,” as stated by dr. Miza Dito Afrizal, Sp.A, BmedSci, M.Kes, a Pediatrician, during a Live Instagram of @ptkalbefarmatbk.

Vaccinations also have a vital role in tackling life-threatening diseases, as well as preventing an epidemic. According to dr. Miza, the various types of available vaccines include vaccines for hepatitis B, polio, BCG (Bacillus Calmette-Guérin) for tuberculosis, HIB (Haemophilus influenzae type B) for pneumonia or meningitis, DPT (Diphtheria, Pertussis or whooping cough, and Tetanus), etc. Each vaccine has specific targets to tackle diseases that can cause mortality, disability, or plague.

According to dr. Miza, the primary vaccination consists of a series of vaccine doasges for infants in response to early antibodies. For example, the DPT vaccine is given to babies ages two, three, and four, respectively. However, due to the declining antibody levels, a booster dose is required for 18-month-old babies and 5-year-old children.

As dr. Miza explained,“At the age of 16 months old, a child’s antibody levels will decrease. Before the antibody runs out, we need a DPT booster shot that is usually intended for 16-month-olds, or being given after two months or about 18 months old. A booster shot is to strengthen and multiply the antibodies for a stronger and longer protection.”

He then added, “After the booster is being given, the antibodies will decrease when the children reach the age of four. Therefore, at five years old, they must be given another DPT booster shot.”

dr. Miza emphasized that there could still be time to do immunizations if vaccinations were not conducted during those ages, except for TB vaccines such as BCG and rotavirus (for preventing the contagion of diarrhea) that have age limits. However, it should also be important to note that postponing immunizations could cause the children to be vunerable to diseases.

On the other hand, dr. Miza suggested that parents should visit health facilities, such as health centers, clinics, or hospitals, if they are doubtful or confused with the immunization status of their children. Providing the health officials with pediatric vaccination records could help in evaluating which vaccines that are required.

dr. Miza also emphasized on the importance of not postponing immunizations becuse it can cause the children to be vunerable to diseases. This is illustrated with a scenario when a child misses the DPT vaccines and then meets a friend infected with pertussis. This situation can be avoided by completing the necessary vaccinations immediately.

A data from the World Health Organization (WHO) has shown that a vaccination could prevent 3.5 to 5 million mortality rates every year. Dainty Loresia, the Franchise Manager of PT Kalventis Sinergi Farma, also stated that a vaccination could effectively reduce the risks of diseases, as well as preventing mortality and complications from a disease.

As Dainty stated, “Kalventis has several vaccines, including a 6-in-1 vaccine or hexavalent vaccine with a ready-to-use technology, meaning it does not need any other mixtures to ensure the dosage accuracy. One shot of this combination vaccine acts as a protection from six dangerous disease, such as Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, IPV, Hepatitis B and Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type B). This is different than a monovalent since we can protect ourselves from six contagious and dangerous sickness.”

This approach is considered as more efficient and allows more children to receive several vaccinations simultaneously. Acoording to Dainty, the combined vaccinations can reduce the risks of children’s exposure to other sick patients when they are in a hospital or a health facility.

As Dainty concluded, “The Kalventis Vaccines also include booster or pre-school booster vaccines. Besides DtaP, we have the other booster vaccine with four amounts of IPV (for polio injections) in one shot. Therefore, we have a complete set, starting from a 6-in-1 hexavalent vaccine for ages two, three, or four years old, or two, four, and six months old. This is followed by a booster shot at the age of 18 months old, then a pre-school booster vaccine, and finished with a DPT + polio vaccine at the age of five.”