FG Calls On Parents And Caregivers To Do The Needful As Second Dose Measles Vaccination For Children Of This Age Commences

The Federal Government of Nigeria has revealed that it will be introducing second dose of measles vaccination into the routine immunisation schedule.

The second dose measles vaccination is for children aged 15 months. The first dose is administered at nine months.

According to the government, the new immunisation schedule is to commence in 19 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

The Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer, National Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Faisal Shuaib, disclosed this in a press statement released on Tuesday.

According to the press statement posted on the official Twitter handle of the agency @NphcdaNG, Dr. Shuaib stated that the new measles second dose schedule will commence from December 7, 2020.

The NPHCDA boss explained that apart from the usual first dose of measles vaccine given to children at nine months old, all children will now be vaccinated at 15 months with a second dose of measles vaccine.

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“The second dose of measles vaccination is given to every child at 15 months as a second opportunity to fully protect children against the deadly measles disease.

“As parents, we must forsake all doubts and visit the nearest health facility or vaccination post to ensure our children are vaccinated. I have vaccinated my children and urge you to do the same.

“Remember to keep the child’s vaccination card safe and present it at every hospital visit.

“I want to assure you that vaccines given to our children are potent, safe and effective.

“At the NPHCDA, we will continue to do our best to ensure our children are protected from vaccine-preventable diseases.

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“We call on parents and caregivers to always do the needful,”

he said.

Dr. Shuaib stated that the new measles immunisation initiative would help eradicate measles in the country.

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“This is a critical time in our lives because Nigeria has an opportunity to eradicate measles, which causes blindness, malnutrition and death,”

he added.