兒童疫苗

Meningococcal infection is caused by meningococcus, it can be transmitted via respiratory secretions, including droplets from the nose and throat, of the infected person. While early signs of meningococcal diseases are very subtle, it may result in severe illness when the bacteria invade the bloodstream (meningococcaemia) or the membranes that envelop the brain and spinal cord (meningococcal meningitis), resulting in onset of fever, shock and even death in severe cases. Over 85% protection rate for people aged 9 months or above receiving the injection which is effective against the germ. Infants and young children will have mild discomfort following the vaccination, such as injection-site soreness which would shortly be relieved.

Meningococcal infection is caused by the bacteria Neisseria meningitidis. While early signs of meningococcal diseases are very subtle, it may result in severe illness or even death when the bacterium invades the bloodstream. Meningococcal disease outbreak is prevalent in China; thus, the vaccination is recommended for young children or relatives living with them who need to travel frequently to and from the Mainland. A meningococcal vaccine is the best way to protect against meningococcal disease.

The MMRV vaccine is a combination of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccines with the addition of the chickenpox vaccine. Rather than receiving separate vaccines, the MMRV vaccine is a four-in-one shot that helps prevent childhood diseases caused by measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox. These illnesses can be spread through droplets or air, with chickenpox caused by the varicella-zoster virus. Severe cases can lead to complications such as encephalitis, while measles can be fatal.

Rotavirus is the cause of gastroenteritis, acute vomiting, diarrhoea and high fever in infants and young children. Generally, these symptoms would last between 3 and 7 days, but sometimes infected children will need hospital care due to severe dehydration. Thus, all infants are recommended to receive oral rotavirus vaccine soon after their birth.

The 6-in-1 vaccine is an acellular combination vaccine that protects against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, Haemophilus influenzae type B and hepatitis B virus. Diphtheria, pertussis and Haemophilus influenzae type B can be transmitted through droplets and respiratory secretions; tetanus through surface wounds; polio through the faecal-oral route; and hepatitis B through body fluids and blood. Since these infectious diseases can be fatal in severe cases, it is advisable for infants and young children receive the 6-in-1 vaccine.

The 5-in-1 vaccine is an acellular combination vaccine that protects against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio and Haemophilus influenzae type B in one go.