7.2 million children under 5yrs to be vaccinated against the polio virus in the round 2 of the nationwide polio vaccination exercise which starts today November 21 to Sunday November across the country.
The exercise aims to ensure all children under 5 have the expected bolster immunity against the virus. The 2nd round followed the successful implementation of the first round three weeks ago. This round was expected to be done alongside other neighboring countries who are equally at high risk of the disease.
Ghana on September 6, confirmed a case of the polio type 2 in in Koforidua in the Eastern Region. Following the confirmation, surveillance have been intensified to ensure any possible case in humans is identified early and contained.
The Program Manager for the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) at the Ghana Health Service, Dr Kwame Amponsa Achianno said the Service is poised to ensure every child under five is fully protected, reiterating the safety of the vaccine.
‘’ The only way to break transmission is by vaccinating the children and so we need guardians to make them available. The vaccines have been tested and trialed for years, and they are safe.” He explained.
Some high-level health officials are scheduled to visit some of the vaccination sites on Friday 22 November to ascertain the progress of the exercise.
About Polio
Polio, or poliomyelitis, is a highly infectious disease caused by the poliovirus. It can lead to: Paralysis (permanent or temporary), Muscle weakness, Deformities, Respiratory failure and Death.
It can be transmitted through Fecal-Oral Route and Person-to-Person. There are three types of Polio: Spinal Polio which affects the spinal cord, leading to paralysis or muscle weakness, Bulbar Polio which also affects the brain stem, leading to respiratory and swallowing difficulties and Non-Paralytic Polio which has mild symptoms, such as fever, headache, and sore throat.
Symptoms include Fever, Headache, Sore throat, Vomiting and Muscle weakness or paralysis. Its mode of prevention can include, Vaccination using the Oral Poliovirus Vaccine (OPV) or Inactivated Poliovirus Vaccine (IPV), Good Hygiene: Handwashing, proper sanitation and Improved Water Quality: Safe drinking water.
Polio can be eradicated with continued vaccination efforts, improved hygiene, and global cooperation.
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