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Baccille Calmette-Guerin (BCG) Vaccine Against Tuberculosis (TB)
Q: What is Tuberculosis?
A: Tuberculosis is caused by a bacterium that is carried by almost 2 billion people. The disease usually attacks the lungs, but other parts of the body, including the bones, joints and brain can also be affected.
Q: How is Tuberculosis Prevented?
By not spending long periods of time in stuffy, enclosed rooms with anyone who has active TB; using protective measures such as face masks if you work in a facility that cares for people who have untreated TB; and if you live with someone who has active TB, help and encourage the person to follow treatment instructions. The Bacille Calmette – Guerin (BCG) vaccine is also used to prevent TB of the brain and blood, especially in children
Q: At what age do persons usually receive the BCG vaccine?
A: The vaccine is given at birth. Persons who receive the BCG may still develop TB in their adult life due to bad nutrition and general health abuse.
Q: How often do children have to take the Vaccine?
A: Only one dose of the vaccine is given
Q: What are the side effects of this vaccine?
A: Side effects include flu-like symptoms and swelling and tenderness at the injection site.
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- Published: 27 July 2016
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Pertussis (Whopping Cough) Vaccine FAQs
Q: What is Whopping Cough?
A: Whopping cough is a disease of the respiratory tract caused by the Bordetella Pertussis which enters the body through the nose and mouth. Many children with the disease have coughing spells which are prolonged. The disease is most dangerous in children less than 1 year of age.
Q: How is Whopping Cough prevented?
A: The best way to prevent Whopping Cough among babies, children, teens and adults is to get vaccinated.
Q: At what age do children usually receive the vaccine against Whopping cough?
A: The vaccine is given to children at the ages of 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 18 months and 3 years 9 months.
Q: What are the side effects of this vaccine?
A: Side effects include redness, swelling, and tenderness where the shot is given. Fever may also occur.
Q: Where can children be taken to receive this vaccine?
A: The Vaccine is given to children at the Child Health Clinic at their Health centre
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Background
The Ministry of Public Health under its Expanded Programme on Immunization currently administers vaccines for 17 antigens. Please find below, some frequently asked questions as it pertains to each of these antigens along with the answers to those questions.
NOTE: Persons are advised to refrain from consuming alcohol 24 hours before and after receiving vaccines.
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- Published: 27 July 2016
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Yellow Fever Vaccine FAQs
Q: What is Yellow Fever?
A: Yellow fever is a disease caused by a virus that is spread to people by the bite of an infected mosquito. It is endemic in the tropical areas, namely Central and South America and Africa. It affects people of all ages.
Q: How can Yellow Fever be prevented?
By avoiding mosquito bites and being vaccinated against the disease. Some measures which can be taken to avoid mosquito bites are: using insect repellents, wearing protective clothing such as long sleeved shirts and long pants and eliminating mosquito breeding sites.
Q: At what age do persons usually receive the Yellow Fever vaccine?
A: The vaccine is given to all children at1 year of age as a part of the National Immunization Programme. It is also given to adults.
Q: Who should NOT get the Yellow fever vaccine?
A: Children under 1 year of age, pregnant women and nursing mothers should not receive this vaccine. Anyone with a severe allergy to any part of the vaccine, including eggs, chicken proteins, or gelatin also should not be given the vaccine.
If you have any of the following conditions, your healthcare provider can help you decide whether you can safely receive the vaccine:
- HIV/AIDS or other disease that affects the immune system
- Weakened immune system as a result of cancer or other medical conditions, organ transplant, or drug treatment (such as steroids, chemotherapy, or others that affect immune function)
- Thymus disorder
Q: How often do I have to take the Vaccine?
A: According to WHO, IHR_WHA67.13, one dose of the vaccine is valid for life.
Q: What are the side effects of this vaccine?
A: Side effects of the Yellow fever vaccine can include pain to the vaccination site, mild headaches, muscle aches, and low-grade fevers.
Q: Can I resume my daily activities after receiving this vaccine?
A: Yes you can.
Q: Do I need to receive this vaccine for traveling purposes?
A: You are required to receive the Yellow Fever vaccine and produce your International Yellow Fever certificate for entry into certain countries.
Q: Which countries do I need it for?
A: Areas at risk for Yellow Fever virus transmission. These include Countries in the African continent and other countries such as Brazil, Peru, Bolivia, French Guiana, Venezuela, Colombia, and Jamaica. Residents of Guyana are NOT required to show proof of immunization for travel to and from the United States of America, Canada, the United Kingdom, Europe, and most Caribbean countries.
For a list of countries which DO NOT require proof of immunization, kindly visit the World Health Organisation Website.
Q: Do I need to produce proof of immunization if I am in transit in countries which require such?
A: Only if you will be in transit for more than 12 hours
Please note that it is not within the power of Guyana’s Ministry of Public Health to control what occurs in other countries.
Q: If I am traveling to Guyana from another country, do I need proof that I received this vaccine?
A: Persons traveling to Guyana from African States which have been listed by the World Heath Organisation (WHO) as being at risk of Yellow Fever are required to have that vaccine to gain entry. Persons who have recently traveled to those countries are also required to show proof of immunization.However, Guyanese who have traveled to those countries and have not been vaccinated, will NOT be denied entry, but will be quarantined and observed.
Q: How long do I have to receive the vaccine before I travel?
A: The vaccine is to be administered 10 days prior to travel, so as to stimulate the anti-bodies in your body to fight off any contact with the pathogens.
Q: Can I receive the Yellow Fever vaccine at the Airport?
A: NO. For the very reason above – it needs to be administered 10 days prior to travel
Q: Where can I go to receive this vaccine?
A: The Vaccine is given to 1 year olds at the Child Health Clinic of their Health Centre. Adults can receive the vaccine at any Health Centre but can only receive the Yellow Fever International Certificate from the Ministry of Public Health, Suddie Regional Hospital, New Amsterdam Regional Hospital. Lethem Regional Hospital, St. Joseph Mercy Hospital and the East La Penitence Health Centre.
Q: What time can I visit these places to receive my Yellow Fever Vaccine and/or Yellow Card?
A: The opening hours are 8:00 am to 3:00 pm from Monday to Thursday and 8:00 am to 2:30 pm on Fridays.
Q: What do I need to have in my possession in order to receive myself or my Child/children’s Yellow Fever Vaccine and/or Yellow Card?
A: Persons are asked to please have in their possession, their Immunization card or that of their child/children.
Q: Is there a cost attached to receiving this vaccine?
A: There is no cost for the vaccine itself from a Public Health institution. However, there is a cost of GYD$1000 for the Yellow Fever International Certificate (Yellow Card).
