Western Cape Government Health will embark on measles campaign as part of the world wide efforts to eradicate this debilitating illness. The campaign will run from 12 – 30 June 2017 and is aimed at all children less than 5 years old even if your child’s immunisations are up to date.
The best manner in which to eradicate an infectious illness is to make sure that between 93 and 100% of people have immunity. This is known as herd immunity, and works by ensuring that when an illness is released into a community, those people who are exposed are protected. This is because a large number of immunised individuals act as a collective group preventing an illness from spreading. The various immunisations campaigns usually form part of a world-wide initiative to help eradicate an illness.
The secret to the success of any campaign is excellent team work between parents /caregivers and local clinics or health services. A campaign offers parents an opportunity to, with minimum effort, ensure that their child forms part of the world wild eradication of measles. A consent form will be sent home with your child; parents need to sign and return the form to the school. Those parents who wish to can visit their local clinic or private child care provider.
*Remember: Even if your child was vaccinated during the February – March prevention campaign, they should receive a booster shot during this campaign.
The measles vaccine is very safe; it is made of inactive virus and other than some children experiencing mild symptoms, has no side effects. The professional health teams that will be visiting crèches and pre-schools can only vaccinate those children whose parents have given consent.
Some quick facts:
Be part of the efforts to eradicate measles, vaccinate your kiddie under 5 years old!
Jo-Anne Otto
Principal Communications Officer
Western Cape Government Health
Tel: +27 23 348 8100
Cell: 072 8080 106
E-mail: Jo-Anne.Otto@westerncape.gov.za