Lockdown will not affect children’s immunization against measles -Ogun state government

Yanju Uwala in Abeokuta

The Ogun State has assured parents that children in the State won’t be  deny of vaccination against measles and other infectious killer diseases in view of the lockdown as a result of the corronavirus pandemic

Penpushing reports that the Executive Secretary, Primary Health Care Development Board, Dr. Elijah Ogunsola made this known during a Media orientation meeting on increasing demand for Measles and other Routine Immunisation Vaccines/other Primary Health Care interventions and corona virus disease outbreak containment in Ogun State, held at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

The Secretary disclosed that vaccinations are available for all under five children in all its Primary Health Centres across the State, during lockdown and movement days, saying no child should be denied the opportunity of immunisation.

Penpushing further reports that Ogunsola, advised mothers and guardians to always present their children and wards for the first and second dose of measles vaccine at 9 and 15 months respectively, for them to fully gain immunity against the disease.

The Medical Doctor noted that the Prince Dapo Abiodun led administration in the State has made huge investment in child health to ensure that the vaccine was made available in all public health facilities at no cost.

Penpushing also reports that he said, measles was an highly contagious preventable disease that could cause permanent disabilities as well as death among under five children, urging parents to take the immunisation of their children and wards more seriously.

The Acting General Manager, Programme Services, Ogun State Broadcasting Corporation (OGBC), Mrs. Toyin Sogbesan,  earlier in her remarks enjoined participants present to clear the fears, doubts, uncertainty and anxieties of the general public, on measles vaccination and other health interventions through dissemination of accurate information on the safety and advantages of full immunisation against the disease, emphasising that they play key role in promoting healthy behaviour amongst residents of the State.

Penpushing reports that the Chairman, State Mobilization and Technical Committee, Mr. Lanre Ogunyinka, while also speaking at the media orientation, noted that the role of the media in information management was critical to harness and cultivate positive behavioural  attitude towards vaccination and other health interventions, adding that participants should form the right attitude to impact the audience in order to get the right feedback.