The Dos & Don’ts of Vaccinations

Affinity Health speaks on vaccines as a preventive measure controlling disease, combatting many deadly illnesses and defending specific diseases. 

Vaccinations Save Lives

In light of African Vaccination Week (AVW) from April 19 – 25, Affinity Health underscores the importance of vaccinations in saving lives.  

As leading providers of affordable health cover, Affinity Health supports AVW’s goal to strengthen immunisation programmes across the continent.

Awareness of the importance of every person’s need and right to be protected from vaccine-preventable diseases is being increased.

The overarching slogan of AVW this year is Vaccinated Communities, Healthy Communities.

“Few measures in public health can compare with the impact of vaccines. Vaccinations have reduced disease, disability, and death on a global scale,” says Murray Hewlett, CEO of Affinity Health.

“Vaccines not only provide individual protection for those persons who are vaccinated, but they can also provide community protection by reducing the spread of disease within a population.” 

Families are encouraged to seek immunity against deadly diseases. 

Read more here: Should You Vaccinate Your Infant?

What’s the Right Way of Looking at Vaccines?

DON’T believe everything you read. There are many different claims that vaccines are dangerous. Some such claims link vaccinations with asthma, ADD, Tourette’s Syndrome, epilepsy, and autism. Instead of listening to what others say, speak to an expert who can give you accurate advice.

DO contact a primary healthcare professional on 0861 11 00 33 to consult with Affinity Health. They will tell you what vaccines are required and when to administer them to your child. It’s important to keep a vaccination record (which you will need when your child starts school).

DON’T take analgesics or fever reducer before taking the vaccination, as this may reduce the effectiveness of the vaccine.

DO avoid any vaccination that elicited an adverse reaction in the past and do not vaccinate infants and children when they are sick. It is advised to especially avoid live vaccination when the immune system is weak.

DON’T have any vaccines if you are pregnant without first checking with your doctor. In the same token, keep in mind that some vaccines are generally not recommended for nursing moms.

DO keep an eye out for any adverse side effects. Like other medicines, vaccines can also have certain side effects. However, it is uncommon for children to show any major side effects due to vaccines. Most side effects are usually mild and subside in a day or two.

DON’T be afraid of the idea of combination vaccines. This is simply when two or more vaccines that could be given individually are put into one shot. Children get the same protection as they do from individual vaccines given separately but with fewer needle jabs.

DON’T wait till your child is older to have them vaccinated. The recommended schedule protects infants and children by providing immunity early in life before they come into contact with life-threatening diseases. Children receive immunisation early because they are susceptible to diseases at a young age. The consequences of these diseases can be very serious, even life-threatening, for infants and young children.

Manage Illness Symptoms with Affinity Health’s Day-to-Day Plan

The Affinity Health Day-to-Day plan helps you to cover the everyday costs of everyday health expenses. These expenses include going to the doctor or dentist and obtaining prescribed acute medication. 

You will also receive service from any Medical Society Centre for primary medical treatment and healthcare. Basic pathology and radiology are also covered when recommended by your Medical Practitioner. See the full list of benefits here.

About Affinity Health

Affinity Health aims to provide premier quality, affordable medical insurance to South Africans. We strive to give our clients peace of mind and the highest standard of service when they are faced with injury or illness. We work to deliver innovative solutions that are simple, cost-effective, and proven, so our cover is structured to ensure that you get exactly what you need. For more information, follow us on Facebook, and Instagram.