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The Importance of Fulfilling Immunization for Children for a Healthy Future

Immunization is one of the most effective health efforts in preventing various dangerous infectious diseases. Immunization programs have been proven to save millions of lives worldwide by protecting children from diseases that can cause serious complications or even death. Therefore, fulfilling immunization for children is crucial to ensuring their health from an early age and creating a healthier generation in the future.

Immunization is the process of administering vaccines into the body to stimulate the immune system to recognize and fight specific pathogens. The vaccines given contain parts of microorganisms or weakened microorganisms, which do not cause disease but are sufficient to trigger the body's immune response. Thus, when a child is exposed to the actual disease in the future, their body already has strong defenses.

Benefits of Immunization for Children

  1. Preventing Dangerous Diseases
    Immunization protects children from various infectious diseases that can have serious impacts, such as measles, polio, diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), hepatitis B, and tuberculosis. These diseases can cause severe complications, disabilities, or even death.
  2. Boosting the Immune System
    Vaccination helps a child's body develop a stronger immune system without having to experience illness first. This differs from natural infection, which can lead to dangerous complications before the body has protection.
  3. Preventing Disease Transmission in Society
    When most children in a community receive immunization, herd immunity is formed. This means that disease transmission becomes more difficult, protecting those who cannot receive vaccines, such as infants who are too young or children with certain medical conditions.
  4. Saving Future Medical Costs
    Prevention is always better than treatment. Diseases that can be prevented with immunization often require expensive and prolonged medical care. By getting immunized, parents can reduce the risk of medical expenses due to infections that could have been prevented.
  5.  Supporting Children's Growth and Development
    Healthy children have a greater chance to grow and develop optimally. Severe diseases can hinder their growth and cognitive development, impacting their future.

Types of Immunization Required for Children

In Indonesia, the government provides a mandatory basic immunization program for children, which includes:

  1. Hepatitis B – Given immediately after birth to prevent chronic liver infections.

  2. BCG (Bacillus Calmette-Guérin) – Protects against tuberculosis (TB).

  3. Polio – Prevents polio, which can cause paralysis.

  4. DPT-HB-HiB – Protects against diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, hepatitis B, and Haemophilus influenzae type B.

  5. Measles-Rubella (MR) – Prevents measles and rubella, which are dangerous for pregnant women and newborns.

In addition to basic immunization, there are also additional vaccines such as pneumococcal (PCV), rotavirus, influenza, and HPV for broader protection.

Immunization is a long-term health investment for children and society as a whole. By ensuring children receive complete immunization according to the prescribed schedule, parents can protect them from dangerous diseases, improve their quality of life, and contribute to creating a healthier environment.

As parents, it is crucial to obtain accurate information about immunization from reliable sources, such as doctors, health centers, or the Ministry of Health. Do not hesitate to consult medical professionals if there are any questions or concerns regarding children's immunization. For Immunization, Hermina Purwokerto Hospital can receive Immunization services for Children.

Access to registration can be done in the following 4 ways:
1. Download the mobile application on Playstore (Type Halo Hermina)
2. Call Call Center 1500488
3. Via website -> www.herminahospitals.com
4. Via the Mobile JKN application

Reference :

  1. World Health Organization (WHO). (2023). Immunization Coverage. Retrieved from https://www.who.int

  2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2023). Vaccines and Immunizations. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov

  3. Ministry of Health of Indonesia. (2023). Immunization Program. Retrieved from https://www.kemkes.go.id

  4. American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). (2023). Childhood Immunization. Retrieved from https://www.aap.org

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