Nzega plans to immunize over 16,000 children

NZEGA: A total of 16,442 children under the age of five are expected to receive vaccinations to protect them against measles and rubella in Nzega Urban Council in Tabora region.

This was revealed by acting Medical Officer in Charge of Nzega Town Council, Dr Anna Chaduo, during the launch of the exercise, which will take approximately four days to reach the target population.

“Parents and guardians are urged to take their children to the designated vaccination centers to ensure they receive the vaccine to protect them against these epidemic diseases,” said Dr Chaduo.

She insisted that the vaccines are safe and have been funded by the government to protect the health of children who are the future of the nation.

According to the physian, neighboring countries have already experienced outbreaks of the aforementioned diseases and others that have affected children and adults, the situation  that prompted the government to start immunizing children in some areas including Nzega.

She said that for children who have been vaccinated in the past are supposed to  receive a booster shot to ensure they are 100 percent protected.

For his part, the Nzega Town Council Vaccination Coordinator, Mr Mohamed Kitivo said that 13 centers have been set up to conduct the exercise and that parents and guardians should bring their children without fail between the hours of 2:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m.

Mr Kitivo explained that the centers set up to provide the vaccine are in addition to the two health centers, ten dispensaries, and the Nzega Town Hospital.

Temporary centers have also been set up in remote areas such as government offices, schools, and so on to reduce the inconvenience of traveling long distances to seek the service.

“This exercise will take four to five days and we are prepared to ensure that it is 100 percent successful to ensure that no child is left unvaccinated and receives the necessary protection,” he said.

The guest of honor at the launch of the exercise was the Nzega District Commissioner, Ms Naitapwaki Tukai, who was represented by the Nzega District Administrative Officer, Ms Amina Suleiman Matua.