Measles/Rubella: Warri North First Lady charges parents to present children for vaccination
As the flag off exercise of the Measles Rubella Vaccination takes full swing in Koko, Warri North Local Government Area of Delta State, the wife of the Warri North Local Government chairman, Mrs Omasan Ashima has charged parents, guardians and caregivers to present their children and wards for vaccination without fear.
Mrs Ashima gave this charge in her address to parents, guardians and caregivers on the safety and importance of the vaccine on Thursday. “This is one of the wisest decisions you parents would ever make to safeguard the lives of your children against preventable diseases when you present your children for measles/ rubella vaccination,” she noted.
Speaking further on the safety of the vaccine, Mrs Ashima stated: “The vaccine is as safe as every other one approved by the World Health Organization (WHO) and our health authorities.” “Those suitable for vaccination are children between the ages of nine months to 14 years of age and the vaccine is free of charge and can be accessed from any health care facility offering routine immunization services near you,” she added.
While emphasizing the implications of the congenital Rubella syndrome, she added that it can cause serious health complications and birth defects to new-borns via their mothers before birth. She stated that some of these defects include blindness, deafness, brain damage and a hole in the heart of the baby. “Some of the visible signs and symptoms of Measles and Rubella diseases include: rashes, running nose, cough, red and watery eyes. However rubella is less severe than measles” she maintained.
On her part, a resource person from the National Primary health care Development Agency, Abuja, Dr. Mrs Philippa Odinka added that the vaccines were very safe and without any side effects. She tasked parents and guardians to always be free to ask questions which bothers on the vaccination exercise. “The Federal Government values the future of the nation that is why it made sure that the programme was rolled out to help protect our children; ensure you avail your children and wards of the opportunity to get vaccinated ” she said. The highlight of the programme was the vaccination of some children by Mrs Ashima.
