In a bid to combat rising drop-out rates in the second year of life, GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals Limited (GSK) has unveiled a comprehensive vaccination campaign targeting parents of toddlers aged 1-2 years.

The campaign, titled "7-Star Protection," emphasizes the importance of seven crucial vaccinations recommended by the Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP).

The vaccinations highlighted in the campaign include initial doses for chickenpox and hepatitis A, second doses for meningitis and MMR, as well as booster doses for PCV and DTP Hib IPV, along with an annual flu shot.

GSK aims to create awareness and encourage parents to adhere to the recommended immunization schedule, which plays a vital role in shielding children from preventable diseases.

While India boasts high immunization coverage in the first year of life, there is a growing concern about drop-out rates during the second year, leaving a significant number of children partially vaccinated.

GSK's campaign underscores the potential risks associated with partial vaccination, not only putting the child at risk but also endangering younger unvaccinated siblings and elderly grandparents who may be more vulnerable.

The multi-platform campaign spans television, social media, and posters strategically placed in pediatricians' clinics across the nation. Parents are urged to consult with their pediatricians for detailed vaccination schedules, and additional information is made available on MyVaccinationHub.in.

Dr Rashmi Hegde, Executive Vice President – Medical Affairs, GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals, India, emphasized the campaign's goal of ensuring a healthy childhood and adulthood through a complete immunization schedule. Dr. Hegde pointed to recent outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases such as chickenpox, measles, and flu, underlining their impact on developmental milestones.

The company's press release highlights the potential consequences of incomplete vaccination, not only compromising the health of the child but also posing a risk to the broader community. GSK's initiative seeks to address this gap in immunization coverage and promote a healthier future for India's youngest population. Parents are encouraged to actively participate in the campaign and prioritize their children's well-being through timely vaccinations.