Immunization: RSG Urges Active Participation

Ahead the 2016 Mass
Immunisation Campaign on Measles,  mothers and parents have been urged to ensure active participation in the release of their children and wards for vaccination.
The immunization which would commence January 28 through February 1 and for children between the ages of nine months to five years is meant to boost the children immunity against children – prone infectious disease and their future health.
The Chairman, State Social Mobilisaton Team, Rivers State Ministry of Health, Dr Doris Nriah  Gilbert told The Tide in a telephone chat that it was high time mothers and parents take immunization campaigns and activities seriously for the purposes of safeguarding the health of their children.
Nriah who  regretted the activities of most mothers towards immunization activities said that  such act would only result to the vulnerability of these children to every and any wave of infectious diseases  which she said would  impact negatively on the health and livespan of the children.
Nriah disclosed that this years mass immunization campaign on measles was aimed at reaching out to every nooks and crannies of the state, urging mothers and guardians not to restrain their children for the exercise.
According to her, “this mass immunization campaign on measles was last carried out in 2013 and this time, it is for the main purpose of boosting children’s immunity.  We have the routine immunization that is done in the hospital and health centres but a lot of mothers do not like going to these places for it and so this one will cover every child at any where”.
While noting that measles was another silent killer of children, Nriah stressed the need for the participation and cooperation of every individual and corporate organization for the success of the campaign and health of the children.
It should be noted that these vaccines are not only to protect the children at infancy but also boost their immunity at adulthood and therefore becomes pertinent that all children, irrespective of time and space be vaccinated for the future health of the state.

Lady Godknows Ogbulu