The Savannah Regional Health Directorate has announced the rollout of the third phase of the malaria vaccine and the Measles, Rubella, and Vitamin A campaign in the Savannah Region.
This initiative is aimed to protect vulnerable children from life-threatening diseases
These critical intervention is aimed to protect vulnerable children from life-threatening diseases.
Mr. Thomas Suuri, Savannah Regional Director for the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI), briefing the media, Monday 30th September, 2024 said the malaria vaccine rollout phase 3 will target children aged 6-11 months, addind that children who have already received the vaccine and are within the age bracket can continue until 5 years old, while those outside the age bracket are ineligible.
According to him, the malaria vaccine is administered in four doses at 6, 7, 9, and 18 months, similar to other vaccines and will be administered by trained health workers via injection on the child’s left thigh.
Mr. Thomas Suuri said, “To ensure maximum protection, children must receive all four doses”
He added that;
“Malaria vaccines have been proven safe and effective, reducing malaria risk and saving countless children’s lives. Over millions of children in Africa have received the vaccine, with confirmed efficacy in other countries”.
He also said;
“While some children may experience mild side effects such as fever, pain at the injection site, redness, and swelling, parents are advised to seek immediate medical attention if these symptoms occur”, he emphasized.
Mr. Thomas Suuri, Savannah Regional Director for the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) added, that despite vaccination, children may still contract malaria, emphasizing the importance of continued preventive measures like Insecticide-Treated Nets (ITN) use and chemoprevention. The vaccine is free and will be administered concurrently with other vaccinations.
In addition to the malaria vaccine rollout, the Ghana Health Service will conduct a Measles-Rubella, and Vitamin A campaign from October 2-6, targeting children aged 9-59 months (children less than 5 years), aiming to boost immunity, reduce measles outbreaks, and supplement vitamin A deficiency.
The objective is to achieve above 95% coverage of targeted children.
The Measles, Rubella, and Vitamin A campaign, according to him, is crucial, as measles has claimed many young lives in the past. However, with the introduction of vaccines, cases have drastically decreased. Recent outbreaks in all districts in the Savannah Region and nationwide necessitate this booster campaign.Vitamin A supplementation will also enhance children’s immunity, enabling them to resist infections. Caregivers are therefore urged to send their children to designated health centers for vaccination, ensuring they receive all recommended doses.
Thomas Suuri emphasized the importance of vaccination, stating that it will provide maximum protection for 10+ years. He encouraged all caregivers to get their children vaccinated, stressing the collective responsibility to combat malaria and measles.
Source: nkilgifmonline.com
