Measles Immunisation: FG Introduces 2nd Dose of Measles Vaccine

6
309
pharmacy
Measles Immunisation:  FG Introduces 2nd Dose of Measles Vaccine
A child receiving measles vaccine in northern Nigeria. Photo: UNICEF

Poised to completely protect every child against measles infection, the Federal Government has launched a second dose of measles vaccination at 15 months in ensuring that every child is double saved from the disease.

Announcing the commencement of the second dose of measles vaccination on Tuesday, the Executive Director/CEO National Primary Health Care Development Agency, NPHCDA, Dr Faisal Shuaib, said the second dose at 15 months is an addition to the usual first dose of Measles vaccine at nine months.

Shuaib, who spoke through a press statement obtained by Pharmanewsonline stressed the essence of the second dose of the vaccine, in the 19 northern states and the FCT, saying it is to safeguard children from the attack of the disease.

READ
Scientists Find Biological Links Between Red Meat and Colorectal Cancer

“Dear Nigerians, from the 7th of December 2020, the Federal Government will be introducing measles second dose at 15 months into the routine immunization schedule in 19 states and the FCT.

“The second dose of measles vaccination is given to every child at 15 months as a second opportunity to fully protect children against the deadly measles disease”, he stated.

The World Health Organisation, WHO, recent report shows that Nigeria is among the 45 countries that account for 94 per cent of the deaths due to measles worldwide. Although dearth of data has fraught the availability of population based prevalence, but some studies from tertiary hospitals showed the proportion of measles from pediatric admissions stands at between 1.3-5.1 per cent.

READ
Nigeria Records 476 New Coronavirus Cases with Seven More Deaths

Previous studies have also established that measles is an endemic disease in Nigeria, with recurrent outbreaks occurring at irregular intervals. Measles transmission in Nigeria occurs through all months of the year, but peaks in the dry season. It transmission also sometimes occurs immediately after the end of the rainy season and often reaches epidemic proportions in the dry season. Nigeria is one of only ten countries in the world with measles vaccine coverage of less than 50 per cent.

Encouraging parents to make their children available for vaccination, the NPHCDA CEO assured them that best quality vaccine will be administered on their wards without any adulteration.

READ
Stakeholders Urge Nigerians to Stop Disease Spread Through Regular Handwashing

“Apart from the usual first dose of measles at nine (9) months old, all children will be vaccinated at 15 months with a SECOND DOSE of measles vaccine.

“I want to assure you that vaccines given to our children are potent, safe and effective. At the NPHCDA, we will continue to do our best to ensure our children are protected from vaccine – preventable diseases. We call on parents and caregivers to always do the needful.

“As parents, we must forsake all doubts and visit the nearest health facility or vaccination post to ensure our children are vaccinated. I have vaccinated my children and urge you to do the same”, he emphasized.

 

6 COMMENTS

  1. Hey there. I found your web site via Google at the same time as looking for a related matter, your site got here up. It seems to be great. I have bookmarked it in my google bookmarks to come back then. Elke Willard Moreen

  2. I’m really enjoying the design and layout of your blog. It’s a very easy on the eyes which makes it much more enjoyable for me to come here and visit more often. Did you hire out a designer to create your theme? Superb work! Caitlin Jdavie Clarine

  3. Way cool! Some extremely valid points! I appreciate you penning this article plus the rest of the website is also very good. Susana Paco Olcott

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here