Caregivers Urges to Keep Children Protected with Lifesaving Vaccinations at Health Centers.
By Uzairu Bunga.
Residents of Miri District in Bauchi Local Government Area, have been commended for their impressive turnout during the 2024 Integrated Supplementary Immunization Activities (SIA) for measles and polio vaccinations.
The Miri Ward Head and Focal Person for the Integrated SIA Vaccination Campaign, Malam Umar Abdullahi Ningi, highlighted the strong cooperation from caregivers in Miri’s ninety-seven settlements, noting their commitment to protecting their children against vaccine-preventable diseases.
According to Malam Umar, the target for the seven-day measles vaccination campaign is 7,100 children, with 2,701 already vaccinated in just three days, adding that, 11,606 children received the Oral Polio Vaccine within this period.
He praised the dedication of health workers conducting house-to-house visits to administer the polio vaccine, noting that these workers also serve as mobilizers, encouraging parents to bring their children to health centers for measles vaccinations.
Malam Umar further explained that a team had already been established to reach underserved communities within Bauchi State, geared towards reducing the prevalence of zero-dose children – those who have not received any vaccinations.
He advised caregivers to continue bringing their children to health facilities for regular vaccinations, even after the campaign, to ensure long-term immunity and protection against life-threatening diseases.
In an interview, the Routine Immunization Officer for Miri Ward, Alhaji Isyaka Yakubu emphasized the critical role of vaccination in saving children’s lives.
He highlighted the importance of the PENTA vaccine, which protects against five diseases to include tetanus, diphtheria, whooping cough, hepatitis B, and Haemophilus influenzae type B.
He explained that while the vaccine can cause mild side effects, these are a sign of the body building immunity, which is essential for health.
Alhaji Yakubu also stressed the dangers of measles, which can lead to blindness, brain damage, and other serious complications, urging parents to vaccinate their children to create a healthier society. He noted that vaccinated children generally enjoy better immunity, stronger cognitive development, and improved learning abilities.
On her part, a Routine Immunization Provider at the Bayan Fada Primary Health Care Center, Malama Halima Adamu, added that the measles vaccination campaign was timely, as many caregivers are currently seeing measles cases among children.
She commended the community’s strong acceptance of the SIA campaign and the commitment to children’s health.
