New polio vaccines introduced in Ghana

Metropolitan Chief Executive of the Sekondi Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly (STMA), Anthony K.K. Sam, has said immunization continues to be one of the most cost-effective public health interventions that has positively affected public health in the country.

He said it is refreshing that children hardly die through measles, neonatal tetanus or suffered lifelong paralysis due to vaccines adding, “however, there should be no room for complacency as further efforts should be put in place to ensure no child was left behind regardless of the economic or social status."

The MCE said this at the Western Region launch of the Inactivated Poliovirus vaccine, an additional vaccine for the control of polio.

Mr Sam said a healthy population is the wealth of the nation and this must be guided to achieve development and economic prosperity.

“It is for this reason that an enhanced commitment from all stakeholders, health workers and caregivers remain imperative now than ever to ensure that the ultimate elimination targets are achieved.

Dr Kofi Asemanyi-Mensah, the Deputy Director, said the IPV injection was not a new introduction but known in other parts of the world to boost the protection rate of children against polio.

“We have 13 antigens…we are not adding to diseases, let get it clear, we are only adding additional vaccine to better fight the polio disease”, he added.

He said children from 14 weeks were eligible for this new vaccine in addition to the already existing vaccines “it is safe to give multiple injections at a go and we have trained our personnel to carry out the process in a safe manner”.

Dr Asemanyi-Mensah called on parents and caregiver to cooperate with health care providers to help solidify the gains in childhood disease control.