A supplementary immunisation campaign for measles will begin in Edo from October 5 to 13 across the 18 local government areas of the state, an official has said.

Irene Uabor, the head of the health education unit at the Edo Primary Health Care Development Agency, announced this in Benin on Monday.

Ms Uabor said the campaign would focus on administering the measles vaccine to children aged nine months to 59 months old, targeting those under five.

“Measles is a life-threatening disease caused by the measles virus that can spread from one infected person to another. 

“Measles affects mostly children with the symptoms of fever, cough, running nose, red eyes, and small red spots in the mouth. It can lead to death due to complications in the form of diarrhoea and pneumonia,” she said.

She noted that in addition to the measles vaccine, children between zero months and 23 months would receive other childhood vaccines due to them. 

Ms Uabor also said girls between nine and 14 years would be administered the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine during the exercise.

“Health workers will be stationed at all primary health care centres and other designated locations, including crèches, schools, churches, mosques, markets, and other places where eligible children can be found,” said Ms Uabor.

She added, “Vaccines are free, safe, and effective; parents and guardians are expected to take advantage of the campaign to protect their children from vaccine-preventable diseases.”

(NAN)