Pretoria – The Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality will in October conduct a catch-up immunisation drive against tetanus, measles and human papillomavirus (HPV) to ensure that children in Ekurhuleni are safe from infections.
Tetanus is a condition that is caused by tetanus germs (spores). Tetanus spores are usually found in the environment as they are commonly found in the intestines of animals, ultimately ending up in animal droppings.
Tetanus affects the nerves after an open wound is infected by tetanus spores. The infected person will have stiffness of the jaw, the neck and severe muscle spasms of the abdomen and back.
“Vaccinations against tetanus (Diftavax Td) will take place during the upcoming school holidays on 4 – 10 October at clinics and selected strategic communication points for children aged 6 to 12 years,” said municipal spokesperson Themba Gadebe.
The measles second dose vaccine will be administered to children from 18 months to 5 years at crèches and clinics from today until the end of October.
The second dose is a booster for children who missed the first dose of the measles vaccine.
The HPV vaccine to prevent cervical cancer will be made available for girls aged between 9 years and 14 years at schools, where the vaccination procedure will be performed by school health nurses.
“Ekurhuleni Metro encourages all parents to participate in these catch up campaigns by bringing their children in to get vaccinated. Consent forms will be sent out to parents whose children attend crèches and nursery schools to obtain permission for the vaccination,” Gadebe said. – SAnews.gov.za
