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Vitamin A & MeaslesChildren with measles need vitamin A:
• In areas where the measles case fatality rate (CFR) >/=1%.
• In area of known vitamin A deficiency.
• In all cases of severe measles.
Children with both vitamin A deficiency and measles can suffer serious complications. In measles, vitamin A reserves fall rapidly especially in already malnourished children, which weakens the body's resistance. Vitamin A supplements limit eye damage, help replace depleted body reserves and increase the child's chance of survival. Immediate vitamin A therapy reduces the risk of death, complications and blindness.
If there are an eye signs of VAD (xerophthalmia), a 3rd dose should be given 2-4 weeks after the second dose.
Note: Use vitamin A to treat only children with measles who have not received a vitamin A supplement within the last 30 days.
Procurement & Handling
• Vitamin A capsules cost about US $0.02 each. Capsules usually come in containers of 500 which weigh 222 grams per pack.
• An unopened bottle of capsules which is stored properly will keep its potency for at least two years. Once opened, capsules should be used within one year.
• Store 100,000 IU and 200,000 IU capsules (generally different colors) separately so as not to mix up the two doses.
• Capsules should be kept dry and out of direct sunlight.
They should NOT be frozen. Vitamin A supplements do NOT need to be stored in a refrigerator. Capsules which have come directly from a cool place may be warmed to room temperature by leaving the container open for a short time as the gelatin coat of capsules can become quite hard when cold. Otherwise, the capsules are robust and easy to handle and distribute.
Calculating The Number of Capsules Required
Estimate supply needs based on previous years number of sick children in the 0-59 months age group seen at the clinic. Add 10 percent extra for wastage and the possibility of an unexpected increase in the number of patients seen.
Additional costs include:
• Capsules.
• Scissors/nailcutter to open a capsule if none is available.
• Training/orientation of staff.
• Wall-chart containing doses and treatment schedule for each age group.
• Revision and reprinting of child health cards, registers, forms and tally sheets to record the date a vitamin A dose was given on the child's card, and to record every child dosed.
Vitamin A Therapy: Introduction: Giving Vitamin A To Sick Children
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