Children under 15 urged to get measles vaccine, as WC records 15 confirmed cases

The Western Cape’s Health & Wellness Department has called on the support of parents, guardians and caregivers to vaccinate their children under 15 years old, against measles. This comes as the National Department of Health has extended the measles vaccination campaign until further notice.

According to the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD), the Western Cape, as of 2 June, has 15 laboratory confirmed measles cases.

COURTESY: NICD

The provincial department, as of 31 May, administered 799 558 measles vaccines (or 46% of the population) in the Western Cape. Their aim is to inoculate 95% of the province’s children population, to prevent further spread of cases and outbreaks.

COURTESY: WCDH&W

In a statement, the provincial department said the vaccination service may be rooted to schools and Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres, if there are enough children that has not gotten the jab.

‘’Going forward, to minimise the impact on the routine measles vaccine, children at 6- and 12-months of age may receive their routine measles vaccine according to the schedule and booster doses may be administered after a four-week interval,’’ Sonia Botha, the coordinator of the Western Cape’s Expanded Programme on Immunisation.

 “We would like to thank those parents who supported the national campaign so far. Our target is for a large proportion of eligible children to be vaccinated against measles. We appeal to parents who are yet to vaccinate their children against measles, to do so this month. This will help to ensure that we avoid any complications from the measles disease and keep our children safe,’’ she added.

Most side-effects from measles vaccination are minor and quickly disappear. Severe allergic reactions are rare. If any reaction is severe or persistent, or if you are worried about your child, please contact your healthcare worker or doctor.

 

Done By: Mitchum George