Osun State Commissioner for Health, Barrister Jola Akintola, announced on Tuesday that 2,048,840 children are targeted for Measles-Rubella vaccination in the state.
At a press conference held in Osogbo to mark the launch of the Measles-Rubella (MR) Vaccination Campaign, the commissioner stated that only children who are severely ill at the time of vaccination will be exempted from the program.
According to him, “All children aged 9 months to 14 years are eligible to receive the vaccine during this campaign, irrespective of previous immunisation status and the vaccination will be carried out across the 30 Local Government and Area Office in Modakeke.
“To ensure equitable access and statewide coverage, the strategy in place for the implementation to ensure no child is missed are: Fixed-post vaccination at health facilities, School-based vaccination teams, House-to-house and community outreach services Mobile vaccination teams for underserved settlements, hard-to-reach and riverine communities.
“I wish to reassure all residents of Osun State that the Measles–Rubella vaccine is very safe and effective. It is approved by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and Nigeria’s relevant regulatory authorities and has been safely administered to millions of children globally.
“The vaccine may cause mild and temporary side effects such as low-grade fever, mild rash, or slight swelling at the injection site. These reactions are normal and resolve without complications and the benefits of vaccination far outweigh these minor effects.”
“I want to call on parents, caregivers, community and religious leaders, school authorities, traditional rulers, and the media to support this life-saving intervention.”
“Let us ensure that every eligible child in Osun State is vaccinated against measles and rubella. Together, we can secure a healthier, safer future for our children and for Osun State,” he emphasised.
The commissioner, however, explained that “Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that spreads through coughing, sneezing, or close contact with an infected person. In Osun State, measles remains one of the leading vaccine-preventable diseases among children and can result in serious complications such as pneumonia, diarrhea, blindness, brain damage, and even death if not prevented.”
“Rubella, also known as German measles, is usually mild in children but poses a grave danger to pregnant women. When a pregnant woman becomes infected, it can lead to Congenital Rubella Syndrome, causing miscarriage, stillbirth, heart defects, deafness, blindness, and other lifelong disabilities in newborns.”
“The signs and symptoms of measles include high fever, cough, runny nose, red or watery eyes, and skin rashes that usually begin on the face and spread to the rest of the body.”
“Rubella symptoms may include mild fever, rash, swollen glands around the neck and behind the ears, and joint pains, particularly in older children. Early prevention through vaccination remains the most effective protection.”
“The Measles–Rubella vaccine is a safe and effective that provides protection against both measles and rubella. It works by strengthening the child’s immune system to prevent infection and interrupt disease transmission within our communities across Osun State,” he concluded.