Mushin LG kicks off second round of polio vaccine
By Saheed Afolabi
As an effort to curtail the spreading of variant poliovirus strains, the authority of Mushin LG has kicked off the second phase of immunization against polio among children in Mushin.
The council partnered with Lagos State Primary Health Care Board and other health agencies.
The council chairman, Hon. Emmanuel Bamigboye, appealed to mothers on the need to always make their children available for immunization against polio and other life threatening diseases.
He explained the reason for the exercise and the implication of non compliance, saying the immunization is free for all children between 0 month and five years.
“The Novel Oral Polio Immunization is a rapid response to curtail and prevent the spread of polio virus circulating variant discovered in the excretory samples found in one of the canals around Mushin, which is an indication and revelation of the prevalence of polio virus within the metropolis. As a result, the Local Government Authority in partnership with the State Primary Health Care Board, National Primary Health Care Board and World Health Organization are jointly carrying out this powerful measure to prevent the spread from the carrier to other children living around Mushin and its environs.
“The exercise is targeted at vaccinating all children between the ages of 0-5years, with 2 drops of the oral Polio vaccine regardless of their previous vaccination status, to prevent poliomyelitis that may result in paralysis of limbs or death.
“During this period, vaccination team will visit residential homes, schools, churches, mosques, gated estates, and all public places where children who fall within the age bracket will be found.”
The Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Primary Health Care Board, Dr. Ibrahim Mustapha, solicited for the support and cooperation of parents, community leaders, and religious leaders throughout the exercise.
He also hinted that the routine immunization services will be available at the Primary Health Centre during the campaign.
Also speaking, the Supervisor for Health, Hon. Femi Nuga thanked the chairman for his constant support for the health department.
He also appreciated all the partners who contributed in ensuring that Mushin is healthy.
He appealed to parents to always make their children available for all immunizations.
