The situation of COVID-19 pandemics stresses the importance of vaccines and, naturally, of the National Program of Vaccination , the NPV , which observance is fundamental. We are going through a period of viral pandemics, the SARS-Cov2 virus, for which we have no immunity. Ideally, immunity for the whole population is only possible to achieve with the introduction of the respective vaccine. Numerous scientists all over the world work hard to develop a vaccine, but this is a complex process that can take several months. What is the national program of vaccination? The national program of vaccination is a universal and free program that allows to protect the population against diseases, that can potentially be a threat to public and individual health. It covers diseases such as measles, poliomyelitis, pertussis, hepatitis B, meningitis caused by several agents, tetanus and many others. Portugal is a model country for the world by its rates of vaccination coverage. Nevertheless, in the recent past, we had cases of measles in the country and the outbreak was not wider, because the great majority of the population was vaccinated. Therefore, there was a rapid control of all possible transmission. The NPV should be observed in all stages We stress that the NPV starts already during pregnancy, with the administration of the vaccine that will protect the new-born against pertussis. Afterwards, and throughout life, it is very important to observe this vaccination program. If that doesn’t happen, it is not only the individual that is at risk, but also all those he contacts daily. Other vaccines not included in the national program of vaccination Besides the vaccines included in the NPV, there are others that can be recommended by your attending doctor. There are diseases that may not have significant expression to represent a danger at the level of the population, but that risk may be important at individual level. In paediatric age, those recommendations are issued by the Comissão de Vacinas da Sociedade de Infeciologia Pediátrica da Sociedade Portuguesa de Pediatria . In Hospital da Luz network, besides in some of our hospitais and clinics, complying with the NPV, we maintain the administration of vaccines extra-NPV, in accordance with medical recommendations. Vaccination during the COVID-19 pandemics Although many activities and consultations are being reorganized during the present COVID-19 pandemics, it is fundamental not to interrupt or delay the vaccines programmed for your child , since they protect against many potentially severe diseases. Contact your Hospital da Luz unit to program your visit. Each child should be accompanied by only one caretaker, and the rules of social distancing, hands sanitation and respiratory etiquette, referred in the orientation by the General Directorate for Health, should be observed. Paediatric surveillance during the COVID-19 pandemics The surveillance consultations of the new-born and children, prescribed by the National Program of Child and Juvenile Health, should also be maintained during this period of pandemics. Therefore, Hospital da Luz network maintains, despite the constraints originated by the COVID-19 pandemics, the surveillance consultations in the following ages: 1 st week of life; 1 month; 2 months; 4 months; 6 months; 9 months; 12 months; Between 18 and 24 months; 5 years. In some cases, there may be alternatives to face to face consultations, for instance, video consultations or phone consultations , that allow to follow up the clinical condition of the new-born or child by the attending paediatrician. These remote means of follow-up are even more useful in the interval between face to face consultations, in chronic situations and when doubts arise. Paediatric video consultations or phone consultations can also be an option to communicate the evolution of the clinical situation of the child, to obtain recommendations based on the results of diagnosis exams or to renew prescriptions, for instance. In case of doubts, check with your attending doctor about this possibility. Do not forget the Guthrie test The screening of new-borns, prescribed in the National Program of Neonatal Screening, the so-called “heel prick”, must not be neglected, being also maintained as highly recommended by the health authorities. It must be made between the 3 rd and 6 th day after birth. This screening is done through a series of tests that allow to identify children suffering from diseases, almost always genetic, and which may benefit from early treatment. Hospital da Luz network has all the necessary conditions to perform this test. Author : Nuno Carvalho Meet the Pediatrics team of Hospital da Luz network. To learn how the paediatric services are now organized in Hospital da Luz network, consult the following page . Click here for more information and advice of Hospital da Luz about the novel coronavírus COVID-19 epidemic . The content published in the Health Guide is intended for the general public and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace individual medical assessment, diagnosis, or personalized clinical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. The content is produced or reviewed by physicians and other healthcare professionals at Hospital da Luz and is based on the knowledge available at the time of publication or the most recent update, as indicated at the beginning of each item.
