Participants at the parley
By Sunny A. David
Nursing mothers and caregivers have been reminded that despite the fight against COVID-19 pandemic, routine immunization at different healthcare centers across the state continues.
This was the central message at Anambra State media engagement meeting on measles immunization awareness activities, held in Awka.
Our correspondent, reports that the media engagement meeting organized by Anambra State Primary Healthcare Development Agency in partnership with the UNICEF, had representatives from different media organizations in the State as well as senior health officials of the agency in attendance.
The major aim of the meeting is to collaborate with members of the media to create awareness about the introduction of a second dose of measles immunization which takes place at the fifteenth month of a child’s birth after the initial vaccination given when the child is nine months.
This will also sensitize them against the misconception people hold that the second dose of the immunization is not necessary.
The Executive Secretary, Anambra State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr. Chioma Ezeenyimulu, in her remark, dispelled the rumor of a COVID-19 vaccination in the State, emphasizing that there is not yet any COVID-19 vaccine.
While providing further explanation on the second dose of measles vaccine which is now introduced at the fifteenth month of a child, the Director of Disease Control and immunization, Dr. Placid Uliagbafusi said the second dose is to strengthen the immune system of a child against measles and reduce any form of new measles outbreak.
Echoing the message of the meeting, the UNICEF Consultant in Anambra State, Mr. Didem Gbofeyin sought for a more robust engagement by members of the media to properly educate the members of the public on all the vaccinations a child must complete against all forms of preventable diseases.
Lectures were also given on the importance of completing the first and second doses of measles vaccination and other vaccinations to increase
a child’s immune system to fight diseases and viruses by the State Immunization Officer, Mrs. Nkechi Onwuvunka and the State Health Educator, Mrs. Uju Onwuegbuzina.
