Summary

In this Study Session, you have learned that:

• Currently used antibacterial vaccines in Ethiopia are BCG, which protects children against the most severe effects of tuberculosis (TB); a pentavalent vaccine, which protects against diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, cases of meningitis and pneumonia caused by Haemophilus influenza type b, and hepatitis B liver disease; and PCV10, which protects against pneumonia and some other infections, caused by distinct strains of Streptococcus pneumonia bacteria.
• Pregnant mothers should get at least two doses of TT vaccine before birth to protect her infants from neonatal tetanus or to say PAB (ideally five)
• The storage, side effects, routes of administration, site of injections dosage and contraindications of each antibacterial vaccine
• Antibacterial vaccines are very effective and safe for infants, and TT vaccine is safe for women of childbearing age and during pregnancy. Adverse events following immunisation are usually mild, e.g. low-grade fever and soreness at the injection site, which can easily be managed; serious adverse events are extremely rare.
• Infants with minor illnesses may be immunised safely. But if they are suffering from a high fever (38.5ºC or above), they should be referred to a health centre; delay the immunisation until after they recover. Don't give a vaccine for the infants who have HIV disease, or severe allergic reaction or encephalopathy following a previous dose of a vaccine.