The Gauteng Department of Health and Social Development has extended the first phase of the polio and measles immunisation campaign by two weeks to accommodate children who were not vaccinated due to the municipality strike.
During the two week long strike, services at several clinics were disrupted resulting in the provincial target of one million not being reached. Clinics at Ekurhuleni Metro Municipality were mostly affected.
The campaign which was launched by national Health Minister, Aaron Motsoaledi and Gauteng Health MEC Qedani Mahlangu on 12 April ended last Friday. Since the beginning of the campaign, 800 000 children have been immunised.
During this campaign, children under five years are receiving first polio drops and the measles vaccine will be administered to children from six months to 15 years.
The second phase of the campaign will be conducted from 24 May 2010 when a second dose of polio drops and vitamin A and De-worming will be given. Parents are urged to sign and return consent forms to schools and crèches for their children to be inoculated.
Enquiries:
Mandla Sidu
Cell: 082 773 9013
Issued by: Department of Health and Social Development, Gauteng Provincial Government
28 April 2010
