The Department of Health has today launched the national polio and measles immunisation campaign targeting under-five-year-olds to prevent childhood diseases and deaths.
Polio and measles are highly infectious and life-threatening often resulting in more than two million deaths a year, disability and impairment such as blindness and hearing loss.
The aim of the campaign is to reach 95% coverage of the population of 4 443 620 children under-five years in the country, of which 856 239 are under-one-year, according to StatsSA population figures.
The first round of the campaign started on Monday 29 April to 17 May 2013, giving polio drops to children from birth to 59 months and measles vaccines to children from 9 to 59 months.
The second round of the campaign will be from 17 to 28 June, and children from birth to 59 months will get polio drops only and a repeat dose for those children who got the polio drops during the first round.
Immunisation points have been set up at all health facilities including clinics, crèches and pre-schools. Mobile clinics and temporary posts will be available in the shops, churches etc.
As crèches and pre-schools will be visited for the campaign, the School Health team will be part of the immunisation teams that will visit these facilities.
Social mobilisation and community outreach activities have been intensified to ensure that parents bring children to the designated points.
Parents and caregivers are requested to ensure that children under five years receive polio drops and measles injection even if previously immunised. Parents and caregivers are also requested to sign and return consent forms for immunisation of children who are in crèches and pre-schools.
Immunisation is free at public health facilities.
Enquiries:
Popo Maja, Spokesperson for the National Department of Health
Cell: 082 373 1169 or 072 585 3219
