2006
30 March 2006
Next week from 2 to 8 April 2006 marks the beginning of the National Polio
Eradication Week in South Africa, which is a concerted drive led by the
Department of Health to raise awareness on immunisation and the prevention of
childhood vaccine diseases. The Department would therefore like to use this
opportunity to urge parents, guardians, caregivers and the general public to
take their who are children under five years of age to their nearest facilities
for immunisations.
The World Health Organisation set routine immunisation coverage target for
fully immunised children less than one year is 90%. Currently the overall
routine immunisation coverage for South Africa is less than 80% and some
districts are still lagging behind with less than 60% immunisation
coverage.
In South Africa it is recommended that children under the age of five be
immunised against the most common childhood diseases, which is administered at
birth, six weeks, 10 weeks, 14 weeks, nine months, 18 months and five years of
age. Childhood immunisations are given to prevent Polio, Tuberculosis,
Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus, Haemophilus Influenzae type B, Hepatitis B and
Measles.
Dangerous childhood diseases such as measles and polio, with potential fatal
complications especially in small children can be prevented most effectively.
Parents are thus urged to ensure that their children receive their routine
immunisations on time. If unsure about their children's immunisation status,
parents can report to their nearest public health facility for screening and
advice.
It has been years since a case of polio was detected in South Africa. The
last case was reported in 1989. But as long as there are still cases of wild
poliovirus anywhere in the world, polio can easily be imported and spread
within another polio free country if all children have not been fully
vaccinated.
In 2004 and 2005, South Africa experienced outbreaks of measles cases. Cases
were reported in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, the Western Cape and the Eastern Cape.
The outbreaks can be attributed to importation from neighbouring countries with
poor immunisation coverage.
The public is again urged to take all children with suspected measles or
sudden onset of a floppy paralysis in one or more limbs to the nearest health
facility for investigation and treatment. Early sings of measles include a red
rash, high fever, runny nose, red and watery eyes and coughing.
Immunisations for childhood vaccine preventable diseases are available free
of charge at public health clinics.
Enquiries:
Solly Mabotha
Cell: 083 678 9860
Issued by: Department of Health
30 March 2006
