Significance of Vaccination for Pre-term Babies

Preterm babies are premature babies that are born before 37 completed weeks of gestation. There are sub-categories of preterm birth, based on gestational age:

• Extremely preterm (<28 weeks) 
• Very preterm (28 to <32 weeks) 
• Moderate to late preterm (32 to <37 weeks)

Source: Kevin Frayer / Associated Press

According to a WHO report, every year an estimated 15 million babies are born preterm (before 37 completed weeks of gestation), and this number is rising with every year. Preterm birth complications are the leading cause of death among children under 5 years of age, responsible for nearly 1 million deaths in 2013. There are various measures or guidelines illustrated by WHO on how to improve pre-term birth outcome; one of which is achieving full immunization against preventable childhood diseases. 

Points to keep in mind 

• All of these babies should be given routinely vaccinations. They should get all of the immunizations on the standard schedule as followed for term babies.
• Administering vaccinations are always safe whether given to term or pre-term and low birth weight babies. 

Why vaccination is so important? 

• Saves a Child’s Life – Timely vaccination ensures a child being protected from various diseases like Diphtheria, Hepatitis B, Measles, Meningitis, etc. Certain diseases like Polio, Smallpox have been eradicated with frequent and timely vaccination being administered.
• Protects not just your Child but the entire Community
• Saves Time and Money related to Healthcare Cost
• Protects Future Generations 

Keeping in mind, all of the above benefits it is very imperative that you as a Healthcare Provider, remind a parent to get their child timely vaccination. We understand that today with such heavy and hectic schedule it becomes difficult to remind each and every patient, but what if we say that technology is here for your rescue? 

What if you adopt a technology in such a way that it automatically reminds each and every parent of your practice in your name for timely vaccination of their child even in the cases of delayed vaccination? Sounds interesting, doesn’t it? If you want to know more on how can technology help you to be updated on your Child’s Health do contact us on ichr@oxyent.com or 011-40644232 for further queries and we’ll be more than happy to help!