Summary

In this Study Session, you have learned that:

• The common antiviral vaccines in Ethiopia EPI program are oral polio vaccine (OPV), hepatitis B (HepB) vaccine which is given in the pentavalent vaccine, rotavirus vaccine (RotarixTM and measles vaccine.
• Long-term protection, all recommended doses of the antiviral vaccines should be given. If a child misses the scheduled date for immunization, the child should be given the missed dose as soon as possible. There is no need to re-start the immunisation schedule.
• The antiviral EPI vaccines are very effective and safe for children, and any adverse events following immunisation are usually mild and easily managed; serious adverse reactions are extremely rare.
• Storage, dosage, adverse events following immunisations, site and roots of administrations of each vaccine.
• Contraindications for some antiviral vaccines are high-grade fever or severe allergic reaction or encephalopathy following a previous dose.
• Vitamin A drops should be given at the same time as measles vaccine, the child's healthy day life up to 5 years every six months or if a child presents with measles, to reduce the risk of eye damage which can be severe enough to cause blindness