Velisha Thompson of the City of Johannesburg writes:
The National Department of Health will be conducting an integrated measles, polio, vitamin A, deworming and nutrition screening, and mass immunisation campaign.
The first round of the campaign will be from 12 to 30 September which will be a measles immunisation drive and nutrition screening for vitamin A. The second round will be from 31 October to 11 November for polio immunisation and deworming.
The primary objectives of mass immunisation campaigns are to eradicate polio and eliminate measles. By giving measles and polio vaccines to as many children as possible, in a short period over a large geographical area, the transmission of measles and wild poliovirus are interrupted.
For campaigns to be effective, special efforts are necessary to reach children who are often missed by the routine immunisation services. Campaigns have been effective strategies for the elimination of targeted diseases and have contributed to a reduction in child mortality.
The polio and measles immunisation programmes act as an additional booster if a child is already fully immunised. Therefore, the campaign dose is given regardless of the child’s immunisation status.
The following services will be rendered during the first round of the campaign:
- Measles vaccine injection to prevent measles. It will be given to all children aged six to 59 months.
- Vitamin A supplementation drops to assist in strengthening the immune system. It will be given to all children aged 12 to 59 months.
The following services will be rendered during the second round of the campaign:
- Mebendazole deworming tablets to prevent children from intestinal worm infestation. It will be given to all children aged 24 to 59 months.
- Polio vaccine drops will be given to all children from birth to 59 months.
These services will be rendered on the same day for each child who qualifies, regardless of whether they have received these services before. All services rendered will be recorded in the Road to Health booklet.
Parents or caregivers are to send the booklet to their child’s creche or pre-school. However, if you don’t have the booklet, the services will still be provided.
If there are any questions, parents or caregivers are encouraged to contact their nearest clinic. They should also ensure that their children are immunised, as it can save their lives.
