Chennai: The Institute of Child Health and Hospital for Children (ICH) celebrates 'World Immunization Week' in a noble way. The ICH initiated a free Pneumococcal vaccine for children with complicated congenital heart diseases who have undergone surgery and children with other chronic diseases.
It may be noted that these vaccines are expensive. “We will vaccinate the children less than two years of age with PCV 13, where as those above two years will be administered with PPSV 23. PCV 13 and PPSV 23 vaccine, which cost approximately Rs.4,500 and Rs.1,500 respectively. Both vaccines are to be administered free of cost for eligible children of Institute of Child Health and Hospital for Children,” said Dr A.T. Arasar Seeralar, director & superintendent, Government Children Hospital ICH
“The same vaccines cost more in private hospital and I cannot afford it. It is a commendable effort of the hospital authorities,” said a parent from Virudhachalam district, whose two-and-a-half-year-old daughter was vaccinated.
Pneumonia is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in children. Invasive pneumococcal diseases caused by Streptococcus. This service is an extension of the various complicated cardiac surgeries performed by ICH for the children with congenital heart diseases. Patients have welcome this service.
High Dependency Unit
The ICH also opened an eight-bedded supportive unit for Pediatric Intensive Care Department and Emergency Department, making the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit of ICH becomes one of the biggest Intensive Care Units in India.
“This facility will augment the services of the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit and facilitates good recovery of critically ill children. Each intensive care bed is supported by a dedicated ventilator, multipart monitor and infusion pumps,” he said.
