What you need to know about the ongoing mass immunization for Measles, Rubella in Uganda

Government on Wednesday kicked off a countrywide immunization campaign against measles and rubella.

According to the Ministry of Health, this followed recent outbreaks of measles in various districts of the country in the past three years, it necessitated the need for a mass immunization throughout the country.

“At the same time, polio remains a daunting threat given evidence of vaccine-derived strains circulating in neighbouring countries.  We are set to immunize more than 18 million children against measles and rubella which amounts to 43% of the country’s population,” said a statement from the Health Ministry.

The Nile Post brings you quick facts about the immunization campaign.

What is Measles disease?

Measles is a highly infectious disease caused by a virus and has no specific treatment but can be prevented by immunization.

 How is Measles spread?

Measles is an airborne disease and highly infectious. It is spread by inhaling air that contains measles virus. Measles affects all ages but it is more frequent in children who are not immunized.

What are the signs and symptoms of Measles?

Fever, generalized skin rash lasting a minimum of three days, red eyes, red lips sores in the mouth, cough, runny nose,

How is Measles prevented?

Immunization is the best way to prevent Measles. All children should be immunized against measles at 9 months during routine immunization

Why the ongoing mass immunization campaign?

In a bid to prevent and control the current measles outbreak in the country, all children aged 9 months to under 15 years should be immunized irrespective of their immunization status during the ongoing measles- rubella immunization campaign.

What is Rubella disease?

Rubella is a mild, yet highly contagious disease caused by a virus. The disease features as a red rash and can cause birth defects of the unborn child of an infected pregnant woman.

How is Rubella transmitted?

Rubella is a viral disease and is mainly transmitted by coughs. It can also be transmitted through the placenta of a pregnant woman and affect the foetus.

How is Rubella prevented?

Rubella can be prevented through immunization of all children aged 9 months to under 15 years. This will give them protection against the disease.

How effective is the Measles-Rubella vaccine?

The vaccine is very effective in preventing Measles- Rubella diseases when all targeted children receive the recommended doses. A disease like small pox was eradicated through immunization and now polio has almost been eradicated globally. Similarly, measles and rubella and be eradicated through mass immunization.

Who are the people responsible for providing immunization services?

Measles- Rubella immunization services will be provided by qualified health workers at health facilities and designated immunization posts like schools.

When and where will the measles-rubella immunization take place?

The immunization that kicked off early this week takes place at health facilities, routine outreaches and designated immunization posts in all districts including schools.

The campaign being implemented started on Wednesday and will end on Sunday October 20, 2019.