Mass Measles Immunization takes off in Tema next month

Tema, Oct. 26, GNA - The Third Measles Immunization and Vitamin A Supplement Activities (SIAs), kick-starts in the Tema Metropolis, from November 3 to 5.

Mr Agudey Sika-Nartey, Tema Metropolitan Disease Control Officer, who disclosed this during a press briefing in Tema on Monday said, the Campaign, which has "Measles Kill, Immunize Your Child Now," as its theme, would have as its target group, children from nine months to less than five years.

Mr Sika-Nartey stated that his outfit was looking forward to vaccinating 61,694 children, and that each child would be given Vitamin A supplement.

The Metro Disease Control Officer said the Tema Metropolitan Area has been zoned into five areas for the purpose of the exercise, which are Tema township, Manhean, Kpone, Appolonia and Oyibi. He said 116 Vaccination Centres would be opened throughout the Metropolis.

Mr Sika-Nartey said it was gratifying that in Ghana, the introduction of the immunization against the six childhood killer diseases, had improved the health of children. He recounted how for the past eight years, no child had died from Measles in the country.

He said SIAs were organized every four years, since 2002, as a mop up, to help save the lives of children, who might not have been fully covered during the regular monthly routine. The Disease Control Officer urged parents to vaccinate their children because Measles kills, and even if the child was lucky to recover from it, he or she might suffer from some repercussions. "Irrespective of whether your child had been immunized or not, send it for immunization," he cautioned

He also stated that some children may react to the drug, with signs such as, feverishness, rashes as well as pain, redness and swelling at the place of vaccination.

He advised parents to report immediately to the nearest health facility, if they detect any of these signs or reactions for attention. 26 Oct. 10