Infectious diseases can be serious and, in worse-case scenarios, can lead to death or life-affecting deficiencies. What are the criteria of the National Vaccination Program? The most recent National Vaccination Program , which started on 1 January 2017, clearly establishes the best timings for vaccination to take place. In addition, it introduced a new vaccine for use during pregnancy (Tdpa) and added a new formulation of vaccines , with the hexavalent vaccine (DTPaHibVip) allowing the number of injections to be reduced. When should a child’s vaccinations be started? A child’s vaccinations should begin before they are born in order to ensure the newborn is protected from diseases that can be very serious in this age group, such as pertussis. This protection is provided by the vaccination of pregnant women with the new Tdpa vaccine , which is administered at between 20 and 36 weeks - but ideally before 32 weeks - soon after the morphology ultrasound scan. After birth, all children are vaccinated against hepatitis B. From the second month of life , they must adhere to the vaccination schedule proposed for Portugal by the National Vaccination Program. The greater concentration of vaccines in the first year of life is due to the fact that this is the most fragile age group, highly vulnerable to contagious diseases. By complying strictly with this program, earlier and more effective protection is offered. Is vaccination exclusively for children? Vaccination does not apply exclusively to children ; it lasts for life, as appropriate for each age group. Good adherence to vaccines in Portugal has enabled us to control diseases such as: Poliomyelitis; Measles; Rubella. A high vaccination rate allows for what is known as herd immunity , something that benefits the whole of society. Did you know that... At the Hospital da Luz network, there are several vaccination services. Vaccines included in the National Vaccination Program are free of charge for all people living in Portuguese territory, regardless of their nationality. Vaccination is a right, but it is also the duty of the individual towards society to ensure everyone, especially our children, are protected. At the hospitals and clinics of the Hospital da Luz network, there are paediatric specialists who monitor the health of children and young people. January 2018 Author : Ana Castro Carvalho Meet the pediatric team of the Hospital da Luz network. 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.
