Nursing mothers and caregivers have been reminded that despite the
fight against COVID-19 pandemic, routine immunization at different
healthcare centers across the state continues.

This was the central message at Anambra state media engagement meeting
on measles immunization awareness activities, held in Awka.

The media engagement meeting organized by Anambra state Primary
Healthcare Development Agency in partnership with the UNICEF, had
representatives from different media organizations in the state as
well as senior health officials of the agency in attendance.

The major aim of the meeting is to collaborate with members of the
media to create awareness about the introduction of a second dose of
measles immunization which takes place at the fifteenth month of a
child’s birth after the initial vaccination given when the child is
nine months.

This will also sensitize them against the misconception people hold
that the second dose of the immunization is not necessary.

The Executive Secretary, Anambra state Primary Healthcare Development
Agency, Dr Chioma Ezeenyimulu, in her remark, dispelled the rumor of a
COVID-19 vaccination in the state, emphasizing
that there is not yet any COVID-19 vaccine.

While providing further explanation on the second dose of measles
vaccine which is now introduced at the fifteenth month of a child, the
Director of Disease Control and immunization, Dr Placid Uliagbafusi
said the second dose is to streghten the immune system of a child
against measles and reduce any form of new measles outbreak.

Echoing the message of the meeting, the UNICEF Consultant in Anambra
State, Mr. Didem Gbofeyin sought for a more robust engagement by
members of the media to properly educate the members of the public on
all the vaccinations a child must complete against all forms of
preventable diseases.

Lectures were also given on the importance of completing the first and
second doses of measles vaccination and other vaccinations to increase
a child’s immune system to fight diseases and viruses by the State
Immunization Officer, Mrs. Nkechi Onwuvunka and the State Health
Educator, Mrs. Uju Onwuegbuzina.