Sanofi Pasteur India, the vaccine division of Sanofi announced the launch of VaxLine, a 24X7 helpline, that seeks to provide online and offline support to parents with detailed information on managing vaccination of their babies and children during and post the COVID-19 pandemic.
VaxLine is a tele-counselling facility with a toll-free number 1800-123-5011 that registers a parent’s missed call and allows a VaxLine health expert to return the call within 24 hours. The VaxLine website addresses questions on interrupted vaccination and routine immunisation including guidance on what parents can do till they restart the vaccination schedule of their children.
Annapurna Das, Country Head India, Cluster Head South Asia, Sanofi Pasteur said, “The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way we live our daily lives. Visits to the paediatricians have been interrupted. Disruption to routine immunisations, even for brief periods, could increase the vulnerability of partially vaccinated children to vaccine-preventable diseases. VaxLine is our endeavour to address the needs of anxious parents on managing delayed immunisation. While delayed vaccination is manageable, parents need to be aware that irrespective of schools re-opening, it is important that they plan catch-up vaccination as soon as it is feasible and safe.”
As per the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoH&FW), immunisation is an essential health service and should be continued even during the current pandemic. The Ministry has also issued guidelines on vaccination during COVID-19 period.