Akwa Ibom State Government has explained the reasons behind the introduction of the Measles–Rubella (MR) vaccine into its Routine Immunisation programme, with the campaign scheduled to begin on February 4 across vaccination centres in the state.
Health authorities said the MR vaccine is a proven, safe and effective combination vaccine that offers protection against both measles and rubella. It is widely used around the world and plays a critical role in reducing the spread of the two diseases while also preventing Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS).
Rubella, commonly known as German measles, is a contagious viral infection that often presents with mild symptoms similar to measles.
However, medical experts warn that when a pregnant woman is exposed to the rubella virus, it can lead to Congenital Rubella Syndrome in the unborn child, resulting in severe complications such as blindness, deafness, brain damage and heart defects.
The State Health Promotion Officer, Mrs. Margaret Etim, disclosed this during a media training held in Uyo, the state capital.
She explained that while measles vaccination has long been part of the routine immunisation schedule, the inclusion of rubella is aimed at further safeguarding children and preventing avoidable birth defects.
According to her, the rubella component of the vaccine will be rolled out alongside measles vaccination from February 4 as part of sustained efforts to curb childhood killer diseases and reduce the burden of congenital abnormalities in the state.
“For this campaign, all children aged 9 months to 14 years are eligible to get the Measles Rubbela. After the campaign, the vaccine will be available for all children at 9 months and 15 months as part of Routine Immunisation.
“The vaccine is available in all vaccinating public health facilities and temporary immunisation posts. The government has paid for the vaccines and will be availed to all eligible children at no charge,” she said.
Mrs. Etim called on media practitioners to intensify public awareness on the importance, safety and benefits of the MR vaccine, urging parents and caregivers to ensure their children are fully vaccinated during the campaign.
She further noted that the MR vaccine can be administered alongside other routine childhood vaccines, stressing that it is safe and does not affect the effectiveness of other immunisations. She added that beyond the campaign period, the vaccine will remain part of routine immunisation for children at nine and 15 months.
In a goodwill message, a representative of UNICEF reaffirmed the organisation’s continued partnership with the Akwa Ibom State Government in protecting child health. The representative underscored the critical role of vaccination in shielding children and communities from deadly vaccine-preventable diseases such as measles and rubella, adding that even children who have previously received the measles vaccine should still be given the MR vaccine.
