More than 70% of children in Argentina have not completed the corresponding vaccination schedules for their age, according to recent data. The country has a National Vaccination Calendar that includes the pentavalent vaccine, protecting against different diseases, and the inactivated vaccine against poliomyelitis. However, in the private market, acellular hexavalent vaccines can be found that provide protection against these six diseases in a single application.
The doctor stated that combined vaccines have multiple benefits, improving adherence to immunization and therefore coverage, a fundamental objective of the vaccination strategy. Although vaccines protect those who receive them, there are cases where children are too young to be vaccinated, have not completed the schedules, or their caregivers have decided not to vaccinate them, which can lead to risk situations.
Whooping cough, a highly contagious disease that mainly affects children, is preventable through vaccination. Experts indicate that combined vaccines, such as the hexavalent, have shown significant benefits, such as greater adherence to the vaccination schedule, fewer doses, and logistical ease for health centers.
In this context, it is highlighted that childhood vaccination is essential to prevent diseases and advance global immunization goals. Despite the proven benefits of vaccines, outbreaks of whooping cough have been recorded in several countries, underscoring the importance of maintaining high vaccination rates and optimizing coverage, especially in vulnerable populations.
Maternal vaccination during pregnancy and the implementation of vaccination schedules with combined vaccines are key strategies to protect the population, reduce the burden of infectious diseases, and prevent epidemic outbreaks. In this regard, a joint commitment between authorities, health professionals, and the community is crucial to ensure equity in access to safe and effective vaccines.
