By Karabo Siyoko
As part of the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) towards contributing to the herd immunity of the Northern Cape Community and the well-being of learners in schools, the Northern Cape Health MEC, Maruping Lekwene and MEC for Basic Education,Zolile Monakali conducted an oversight visit at Roodepan and St Peters Primary School in Kimberley to monitor the roll-out of Measles vaccination programme and catch-up in schools and ECD Centres.
The national measles campaign started at the beginning of February and will run until the end of March. This campaign is conducted as first round of one dose for all children from 6 months to 15 years. The province is expected to reach at least 95% of the total
393 310 children.
The Department of Health aims to prioritise children who missed their routine supplemental doses of Vitamin A and Deworming.
Measles is a highly contagious disease caused by the measles virus. Patients with Measles present with fever and rash. The rash looks like small, red, flat spots that start on the face/head and then spread downwards over the body. The rash does not form
blisters, nor is it itchy or painful. Other signs include cough, conjunctivitis (red eyes) and coryza (running nose).
The Covid-19 pandemic has worsened the longstanding challenges by disrupting routine immunization services.
From January to July 2022, reported positive measles cases were three times higher than in pre-Covid-19 years. Although there are no fatalities, the Northern Cape had seven (7) positive Measles cases.
Anyone who is not immune to measles can catch measles from an infected person. Once a person has had measles, they are immune to the virus. Vaccination is another way to become immune to measles.
Vaccinated individuals are protected from severe symptoms of measles, mainly for the rest of their life. Communities become vulnerable to outbreaks of measles when more than 5% of persons are not vaccinated.
The Department of Health has enough vaccines in stock, kept in Vaccine fridges to comply with World Health Organization specifications at appropriate temperature levels.
They have contracted 34 professional nurses and 6 data capturers for the campaign’s duration.
Both departments appeal to parents and guardians to urgently sign and return the consent form provided to learners to permit health workers to immunize their child. It is the responsibility of parents and guardians to present the child to a health facility if the learner does not have a signed consent form for measles vaccination.
Those who have lost or misplaced their children’s Road To Health Book (RTHB), can still receive the measles vaccination.
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