By Eunice Nnachi, Yenagoa
The ongoing immunization against polio in Bayelsa, Nigeria, aims to protect children from this debilitating disease, the involvement of the community, including parents and local leaders, is crucial for the success of the immunization campaign.
Dr Raimi Morufu Olalekan, an Environmental Health Consultant, who disclosed this in a chat with newsmen, in his Office in Kpansia, Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, called on residents to make their children available for the ongoing immunization against polio.
Dr Olalekan explained that the vaccine is being given to children below 5years from the 17th today to 20th September to prevent children from coming down with polio which can lead to paralysis.
He added that polio is an infectious viral disease that can harm the nervous system and can spread from person to person.
“The symptoms of polio includes fever, sore throat, nausea, tiredness, headache and stomach pain etc”
He noted that the health officials would be visiting schools, churches, mosques and other public places including house to house to give the vaccine to children.
He urged on parents, caregivers and other stakeholders to give the vaccinators access to children from 0-5years.
On her part, CEO, Eunice Nnachi Women Advocacy Foundation, ENWAF Lady Eunice Nnachi noted that the importance of vaccination cannot be overemphasized, adding that the polio vaccine is safe and effective.
She encouraged women to bring out their children to receive the polio vaccine as part of their routine vaccinations.
She said, by making your children available for the ongoing immunization against polio, residents of Bayelsa can contribute to the efforts to eradicate this disease and protect the health and well-being of their communities.”
