The Indonesian government and Ministry of Health hope that Indonesian children will receive immunization through the National Child Immunization Month ( BIAN ) program. This program aims to complete basic immunization in infants, such as Hepatitis B, BCG, DPT-HB-Hib, Polio, and Measles-Rubella . Including providing additional immunizations, such as the 24-month follow-up measles immunization provided in this program.
As is known, immunization aims to actively create or increase a child’s immunity against a disease. So, if at some point the child is exposed to the disease, he will not get sick or will only experience a mild illness.
Benefits of Advanced Measles Immunization
Measles is a highly contagious condition that can easily spread among unvaccinated people. Measles begins with symptoms of fever, cough, runny nose, conjunctivitis (pink eyes), and a red rash that begins on the face and spreads down the body.
If the virus infects the lungs, it can cause pneumonia . Measles in older children can cause inflammation of the brain, called encephalitis, which can lead to seizures and brain damage.
For this reason, advanced measles immunization needs to be given to children. However, lately, measles immunization is often accompanied by rubella immunization, or measles rubella (MR) . Rubella is also known as German measles. It can cause a mild rash on the face, swollen glands behind the ears, and in some cases, swelling of small joints and mild fever. Most children recover quickly without any lasting effects.
However, if a pregnant woman gets rubella, it can be dangerous for the fetus. If they are infected during the first trimester of pregnancy, there is at least a 20% chance that their child will have birth defects such as blindness, deafness, heart defects, or intellectual disabilities.
In fact, some leading hospitals or clinics have combined MR immunization with mumps immunization. As is known, the mumps virus usually causes swelling in the glands just below the ear, making it look like a chipmunk’s cheek. Before the vaccine, mumps was the most common cause of meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord) and deafness. In men, mumps can infect the testicles, which can cause infertility.
With that in mind, the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for all children. It protects against three potentially serious diseases. It is a two-part or two-dose vaccination. Parents must prove that children have received it before they can start school.
When is the Measles Booster Immunization Given?
The Indonesian Pediatrician Association (IDAI) recommends giving measles-rubella or MR immunization at the age of 9 months. However, if by the age of 12 months the child has not received the MR vaccine, MMR can be given .
Meanwhile, the provision of follow-up measles immunization can actually be given at least 6 months after the last measles immunization or can be given in the age range of 24-36 months. However, based on the 2020 IDAI Recommendation, follow-up measles immunization is given at the age of 18 months. Then, at the age of 5-7 years, children again receive a booster of MR immunization in the Class 1 School Children’s Immunization Month (BIAS) program or MMR.
Effects of Advanced Measles Immunization
The measles vaccine is very safe. According to the National Health Service , most side effects are mild and do not last long, such as:
- The area where the needle was inserted may appear red, swollen and sore for 2 to 3 days.
- About 7 to 11 days after the injection, the baby or young child may feel unwell or have a high temperature for about 2 or 3 days.
Some children may also cry and be upset immediately after the shot. This is normal and they will feel better after a hug.
What if the Measles Booster Immunization is Late?
Usually, pediatricians will recommend that children receive a follow-up measles immunization at the age of 18 months. Meanwhile, some health centers or midwives recommend giving a follow-up measles immunization at the age of 24 months.
According to IDAI, if the follow-up measles immunization is late, then catch-up immunization will be carried out at school age and adolescents. Immunization will be given 2 times with a minimum interval of 4 weeks. In other words, booster immunization like this will usually be given according to the next immunization schedule.
However, if parents are late in giving their child the 24-month follow-up measles immunization, it would be better to consult a pediatrician directly.
Hopefully the information above can be useful for you, Parents !
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Republished with permission from theAsianParent Indonesia
