Vaccination and the National Immunization Schedule
Improving preventive healthcare services in the medical field is one of the main priorities of the state policy implemented by the President of Turkmenistan. Immunization is an important tool for maintaining epidemiological well-being in relation to vaccine-preventable diseases.
One of the primary methods of preventing infectious diseases is through vaccination. Vaccines in the country are purchased with government funds, ensuring their high quality and World Health Organization (WHO) prequalification. According to the national immunization schedule, vaccinations are provided free of charge to the population. Vaccination protects people of all ages from potentially dangerous infectious diseases.
As a result of maintaining a high and stable level of vaccination coverage, Turkmenistan has not registered cases of certain infectious diseases among children. A child who is not vaccinated is at risk of contracting diseases such as measles, rubella, diphtheria, and others. These diseases are often accompanied by severe complications that may lead to disability or death. Therefore, it is crucial that every parent understands the importance of timely vaccinations to ensure the health of their children. Family members should know the recommended age, timing, and location for their child's vaccinations. It is also essential for healthcare workers to actively engage the population in promoting immunization awareness.
When a person receives a vaccine against an infection, their body produces immune cells (antibodies) that provide protection. These immune cells neutralize microorganisms and prevent the disease from occurring. Infants are initially protected from certain infectious diseases by antibodies they receive from their mother during pregnancy and the first months of life. However, by the time a child reaches one year of age, the antibodies passed from the mother gradually lose their effectiveness, and the child's immunity to diseases decreases.
Why are preventive vaccinations necessary?
Preventive vaccinations are the most effective way to protect against infectious diseases. The fact that a disease is not manifesting does not mean that the bacteria and viruses causing the disease are absent in the local environment. The importance of preventive vaccinations for both children and adults is immense. Refusing vaccinations increases the likelihood of developing severe complications.
What diseases are prevented by vaccinations?
In Turkmenistan, in accordance with the national immunization schedule, the population is vaccinated free of charge against viral hepatitis A and B, tuberculosis, poliomyelitis, diphtheria, whooping cough, tetanus, measles, rubella, mumps, Hib infection, human papillomavirus, pneumococcal infection, and rotavirus infections. Upon the birth of a child, a «Vaccination Passport» is issued, where information about the vaccinations received is recorded. The country's epidemiological well-being has been maintained for many years through a high level of vaccination coverage (over 95%).
It is essential for every individual to know which diseases the preventive vaccinations given to children in Turkmenistan protect against.
• Hepatitis B virus can lead to cirrhosis and dangerous liver tumors. Vaccination against this virus is administered to newborns within the first 24 hours of life, as well as at 2, 3, and 4 months of age.
• Tuberculosis-causing infection can result in serious complications, affecting the lungs and other internal organs, skin, and bones. The BCG vaccine against tuberculosis is administered on the 2nd–3rd day after birth and again at the age of 14.
• Poliomyelitis virus can lead to paralysis of the arms, legs, respiratory muscles, and may result in permanent disability. The vaccine against poliomyelitis is given on the 2nd–3rd day after birth, as well as at 2, 3, 4, and 18 months of age.
• Diphtheria-causing toxins destroy human tissues and organs, forming a membrane that blocks the airways, which can lead to severe conditions. The diphtheria vaccine is administered at 2, 3, 4, and 18 months, as well as at 6, 15, and 25 years of age.
• Whooping cough is characterized by continuous coughing, leading to suffocation, oxygen deprivation, and a severe condition. The whooping cough vaccine is given to children at 2, 3, 4, and 18 months of age.
• Tetanus-causing toxins damage the nervous system, leading to severe convulsions and respiratory failure. The tetanus vaccine is administered at 2, 3, 4, and 18 months, and again at 6, 15, and 25 years of age.
• Hib infection is one of the causes of purulent meningitis and pneumonia. The vaccine against this infection is given to children at 2, 3, and 4 months of age.
• Measles-causing infection can lead to serious complications such as encephalitis, pneumonia, otitis, and blindness. Children with measles may also develop insulin-dependent diabetes. The vaccine against measles is given to children at 12–15 months and at 6 years of age.
The Virus Causing Mumps, Pneumococcal Infections, and Rotavirus Infections: Protection through Vaccination
• Mumps: The virus causing mumps affects the parotid glands and can lead to infertility in boys. The mumps vaccine is administered to children at 12–15 months and again at 6 years of age.
• Pneumococcal infection: This infection is one of the leading causes of pneumonia, purulent meningitis, and otitis. The pneumococcal vaccine is given to children at 2, 4, and 12–15 months of age.
• Rotavirus infection: Rotavirus is a common cause of diarrhea in newborns and young children worldwide. The vaccine for this infection is administered to children at 2, 3, and 4 months of age.
• Hepatitis A: The virus causing hepatitis A affects the liver and is often accompanied by jaundice. People who recover from hepatitis A may take some time to return to normal life, studies, and work. The vaccine for hepatitis A is administered at 18 months of age.
• Human Papillomavirus (HPV): HPV is the main cause of cervical cancer, genital warts, and other types of cancers of the genital organs and larynx. The HPV vaccine is administered to both girls and boys at 9 years old, with two doses spaced 6 months apart.
Vaccination as a sign of care for the population
The ability to be vaccinated against these infections is an important part of healthcare in the country. To protect against these diseases and their complications, it is recommended to visit healthcare facilities and receive preventive vaccinations.
Recommendations for parents
Some parents delay vaccination, thinking they are «protecting their child from the pain of the injection». This is a misconception! Delayed vaccinations increase the likelihood of children contracting infectious diseases. Here are some key recommendations for parents:
• On the day of the vaccination, the child should be examined by a family doctor to assess their health condition and receive clearance for the vaccination.
• The following are not contraindications for vaccination:
• Mild illnesses
• Recovery period
• Allergic reactions
• Cerebral palsy and Down syndrome
• Pain, redness, or swelling at the site of the previous injection
• Mild anemia
• Perinatal encephalopathy
• Thymus enlargement
• Dysbacteriosis
• Congenital anomalies
• Epilepsy in close relatives of the child
• Post-vaccination reactions in family members
• Non-specific allergic reactions in the child's relatives
• Determining contraindications:
• Contraindications to vaccination based on the child’s condition and diagnosis are determined by a medical commission of specialists at health centers.
• Importance of timely vaccination:
• Timely vaccination is one of the ways to protect children from infectious diseases in the future.
These recommendations will help parents properly prepare for vaccinations and protect their children from serious diseases. Regular consultations with medical professionals and adherence to the national vaccination schedule are vital steps to ensuring the health and well-being of children.
National Immunization Schedule
Note: The interval between the first and second doses of the HPV vaccine should be no less than 6 months.
