child vaccine

Baby's health always requires tender care. Especially for newborns with delicate immune systems, making them more vulnerable to infections. Vaccinations can help boosting their little bodies' defenses against different diseases, providing a protective shield for their healthy growth and well-being.

In Hong Kong, children can receive free vaccinations at Maternal and Child Health Centers under the "Hong Kong Childhood Immunization Programme" by the Department of Health. This helps reduce the chances of infection from contagious diseases. However, certain high-risk and potentially life-threatening infections such as rotavirus, Haemophilus influenzae type B, meningitis, and Japanese encephalitis are not included in the government-provided program, posing a serious risk to the health of babies. As caring parents, we have the option to choose additional vaccinations for our child, ensuring they receive better protection.

Meningitis is a meningeal infection caused by bacteria or viruses. Bacterial meningitis is extremely dangerous and can progress to invasive meningitis. The early symptoms of meningitis are similar to flu symptoms. Patients who do not receive quick and proper treatment may die within 24 hours of the beginning of symptoms.

Meningitis is more common in children under the age of 5, and puberty is also the peak phase of infection. MenACWY vaccine and MenB vaccine, both of which can prevent meningococcus, are currently not included in the Hong Kong government's Childhood Immunisation Programme. To prevent fatal infections, parents should consider strengthening protection for infants.