RSG Begins Second Dose Measles Immunization, ’Morrow

The Rivers State Government, through the State Ministry of Health will tomorrow commence administering of second dose of immunization against Measles in addition to the routine immunisation schedule.
Making this known to newsmen recently, the State Immunisation Officer, Dr Inwom Joseph Urang, said the target is “to vaccinate every child from 9 to 23 months old”, which, he said, may also include children who had not taken the first immunisation.
“Every child is to be protected against measles. Along the line, we might see some children that had never been vaccinated with even the first dose. We still have to vaccinate them”, he said.
Towards achieving the objective of immunizing all the children within the age limit, Dr Urang said strategies have also been mapped out to take care of the hard-to-reach areas of the state, such as the riverine areas.
For the riverine areas, he said, “we need to do what we call a combing activity. We go through the whole of that area and ensure that every children is vaccinated.
He explained further that such hard-to-reach areas cannot be reached regularly, preparations are made to also immunize children in those areas against other ailments.
According to him, children will be immunized, “not just for measles. We use all antigens available, so that the children in those areas are fully protected, knowing we won’t go there often … logistics are being provided for all of that”.
Dr Urang continued that for such areas, indigenous health workers will be used because they are familiar with the terrain.