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World Immunization Week 2021

World Immunization Week, also known as European Immunisation Week is observed annually in the last week of April. World Immunization Weeks goal is to promote the use of vaccines to protect people of all ages against disease. Immunization saves millions of lives every year and is widely acknowledged as one of the world’s most successful […]

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Johnson & Johnson’s Covid -19 Vaccine approved for use in the USA

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has recommended the first single-shot COVID-19 vaccine, developed by the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, for individuals 18 years of age and older under the Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) issued by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). […]

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Useful Information

The immune system

What is an immune system? How does the body fight infection? When germs, such as bacteria or viruses, invade the body, they attack and proliferate. This invasion, called an infection, is what causes illness. The immune system uses several tools to fight infection. Blood contains red blood cells, for carrying oxygen to tissues and organs, […]

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Influenza-Flu Vaccines

Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) Hib is a bacteria which can cause: pneumonia meningitis severe inflammatory infections of the face, mouth, blood, epiglottis, joints, heart, bones, peritoneum and trachea. This almost exclusively effects children less than 5 years of age. It can also effect people with weakened immune system. link It is transmitted […]

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American Trypanosomiasis Chagas

Chagas disease (American Trypanosomiasis)

Chagas disease, also known as American trypanosomiasis, is an inflammatory, infectious and life-threatening illness caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. (T. cruzi) . Carlos Chagas discovered the disease over a century ago. Chagas disease is found mainly in endemic areas of 21 continental Latin American countries, where it is mostly transmitted when humans come into […]

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Chickenpox Shingles Varicella

Varicella / Chickenpox

Varicella commonly known as chickenpox is a highly contagious infection caused by the varicella zoster virus. The infection is spread in a similar manner to colds and flu. Symptoms Symptoms first appear between 10 and 21 days of becoming infected with chickenpox. The first sign of chickenpox is usually red spots which can be anywhere […]

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Influenza-Flu

What is Flu?

Influenza usually peaks during the winter months and every year it is associated with illness ranging from the mild to the severe.The flu virus attacks the lungs and airways. Antibiotics does not cure the flu. However, hot drinks and plenty of rest are recommended. Most people who think they have the flu, in fact have […]

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Useful Information

What is the difference between isolation and quarantine?

Self isolation and quarantine are both practices used to reduce the spread of infectious diseases. Self-isolation Self-isolation means staying indoors and completely avoiding contact with other people. You need to do this if you have symptoms of coronavirus. This is to stop other people from getting it. You will need to self-isolate: if you have symptoms of […]

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Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis (TB)

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) today (24/03) is World Tuberculosis (TB) Day. TB remains one the world’s deadliest infectious killer with over 4,000 loosing their lives daily and nearly 30,000 falling sick with this avoidable and curable disease. World TB Day is recognised annually on March 24th. This date is chosen to honour […]

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Vaccines

What is the 4 in 1 vaccine?

The 4 in 1 vaccine immunises against Diphtheria, Tetanus and Pertussis (whooping cough) and Poliomyelitis (Polio). Children should be given vaccines protecting them from these diseases at 2, 4 and 6 month. A further booster shot should be given when children are between 4-5 years of age. https://www.hse.ie/eng/health/immunisation/pubinfo/schoolprog/4in1mmr/4n1mmrleafleteng.pdf Diphtheria is an infection caused by the […]