Issue 75 April 2016

Health Advisory CenterHealth Advisory CenterHealth Advisory CenterHealth Advisory Center

World Immunization

Week 2016: Close the

immunization gap

The E Bulletin is a monthly service provided by CEDARS – Jebel Ali International Hospital in order to raise awareness for

various health issues.

World Immunization Week – celebrated in the last

week of April – aims to promote the use of vaccines to protect people of all ages against disease. Immuniza-

tion saves millions of lives and is widely recognized as one of the world’s most successful and cost-effective

health interventions.

Immunization is the process by which an individual's immune system

becomes fortified against an agent (known as the immunogen). When this system is exposed to molecules that are foreign to the body, called non-self, it will orchestrate an immune response, and it will also develop the ability to quickly respond to a subsequent encounter because of immunological

memory.

This is a function of the adaptive immune system. Therefore, by exposing an animal to an immunogen in a controlled way,

its body can learn to protect itself: this is called active immunization. The most important elements of the immune system that are improved by immunization are the T cells, B cells, and the antibodies B cells produce. Immunizations are definitely

less risky and an easier way to become immune to a particular disease than risking a milder form of the disease itself. They are important for both adults and children in that they can protect us from the many diseases out there.

CEDARS - Jebel Ali International Hospital, Dubai, UAE. Tel: 04-881-4000 Fax: 04-881-4001

1. It is developed when the person’s own cells

produce antibodies in response to infection or

vaccine.

2. It provides relief only after long period.

3. It has no side effects.

4. It is long lasting.

1. It is developed when antibodies produced in other

organisms are injected into a person to counter act anti-

gen such as snake venom.

2. Passive immunization occurs physiologically, when

antibodies are transferred

from mother to fetus during pregnancy, to protect the

fetus before and shortly after birth.

3. It provides immediate relief.

4. It may cause reaction.

5. It is not long lasting.

© WHO 2016

Page 2 World Immunization

CEDARS - Jebel Ali International Hospital, Dubai, UAE. Tel: 04-881-4000 Fax: 04-881-4001

1. Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) causes meningitis and pneumonia.

2. Hepatitis B is a viral infection that attacks the liver. Hepatitis B vaccine for infants had been introduced nationwide.

3. Human papillomavirus — the most common viral infection of the reproductive tract—can cause cervical cancer, and

other types of cancer and genital warts in both men and women.

4. Measles is a highly contagious disease caused by a virus, which usually results in a high fever and rash, and can lead

to blindness, encephalitis or death.

5. Meningitis A is an infection that can cause severe brain damage and is often deadly.

6. Mumps is a highly contagious virus that causes painful swelling at the side of the face under the ears (the parotid

glands), fever, headache and muscle aches which can lead to viral meningitis.

7. Pneumococcal diseases include pneumonia, meningitis and febrile bacteraemia, as well as otitis media, sinusitis and

bronchitis.

8. Polio is a highly infectious viral disease that can cause irreversible paralysis.

9. Rotaviruses are the most common cause of severe diarrhoeal disease in young children throughout the world.

10. Rubella is a viral disease which is usually mild in children, but infection during early pregnancy may cause fetal death

or congenital rubella syndrome, which can lead to defects of the brain, heart, eyes and ears.

11. Tetanus is caused by a bacterium which grows in the absence of oxygen, e.g. in dirty wounds or in the umbilical cord

if it is not kept clean. It produces a toxin which can cause serious complications or death.

12. Yellow fever is an acute viral haemorrhagic disease transmitted by infected mosquitoes.

Global immunization coverage

Second year of a

multi-year campaign

This will be the second year of the Close

the Immunization Gap campaign,

which celebrates the enormous successes

to date in reaching children all over the

world with life-saving vaccines while also

stressing the challenges we still face. The

2016 campaign additionally stresses the

need for immunization among adolescents

and adults - throughout life. And seeks to

draw the world’s attention to the critical

importance of reaching vulnerable people

living in conflict situations or in the wake of

emergencies.

© WHO 2016

© WHO 2016

Page 3 World Immunization

CEDARS - Jebel Ali International Hospital, Dubai, UAE. Tel: 04-881-4000 Fax: 04-881-4001

Established in 1999, CEDARS – Jebel Ali International Hospital is a full-fledged multi-specialty hospital offering services

ranging from Pediatrics to Occupational Health, Laparoscopic Surgery to Internal Medicine. The Hospital is equipped with ICU for medical and surgical emergencies, with two major and one minor operation theatres as well as with fully

equipped Laboratory and Radiology departments.

The CEDARS Training Center is a registered training provider with qualified and dedicated instructors offering a wide

range of courses for both individuals and companies. The training center is committed to improving health and safety at home, at any public place or in the workplace providing classes in Basic First Aid and Basic Life Support through an

alignment with the American Hospital Dubai, an American Heart Association (AHA) International Training Center.

Further attached to the hospital are the 24-hour-pharmacy, the CEDARS Clinic and Dr. Adnan Kaddaha Clinic, opening

soon in Dubai Motor City. Projects to expand the hospital structure and add more services that enable CEDARS Jebel Ali

International Hospital to become a comprehensive healthcare provider are under way.

About CEDARS - Jebel Ali International Hospital

Piljo P Paul works as an Infection Control Nurse at CEDARS – Jebel Ali International

Hospital with more than 8 years experience in the field of Nursing and with additional

qualifications of ACLS, BLS & ITLS. He is responsible for preparing and implementing

all infection control related policies and procedures in the hospital; he gives infection

control related training to employees on a regular basis and implements programs

related to infection control to protect healthcare workers, visitors and others.

Infection Control Nurse