In an effort to curb measles the Gauteng Provincial Department of Health and Social Development will embark on a measles vaccination campaign from 12 to 23 April 2010.
Measles is a very dangerous infection which can lead to possible death; hence all should treat these campaigns with the urgency it deserves.
The targeted schools and children during the current campaign will be those that were not reached during the previous emergency vaccination campaign of October 2009.
Health officials will be visiting all crèches, public and independent schools (primary and secondary) to vaccinate children from six months to 15 years.
Parents must get the consent forms from their children, sign and return to their children's respective schools as a matter of extreme urgency before 26 March 2010. By not returning the consent forms on time the vaccination campaign will be delayed and it will also prolong disruptions of the school programme.
In cases where parents do not return the signed consent forms, the health officials will not vaccinate their children. In such cases, parents should be advised to visit their nearest health facilities to vaccinate their children as a matter of urgency.
Parents who have objections to have their children being vaccinated against measles must do so in writing and submit this to the principal of the school.
For further information you may contact your nearest Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) district offices.
Issued by: Department of Education, Gauteng Provincial Government
6 April 2010
Source: Department of Education, Gauteng Provincial Government
(http://www.education.gpg.gov.za/)
