San Martín records 66.4% progress in the measles vaccination campaign

This was reported by Enrique Pinchi Flores, head of the Regional Health Directorate (Diresa) of San Martín, who specified that, in the third week of vaccination against polio and measles, the Regional Government of San Martín (Goresam) ). protected more than 62,599 children from 1 to 6 years, equivalent to a 66.4% progress at regional level.

He said that the data collected from the information system of the Ministry of Health (HIS – Minsa) shows the progress until Friday, October 4. To achieve this important achievement, more than 2,000 defense agencies have been work at fixed times, such as health centers and EsSalud, as well as taking the vaccine to schools, plazas and through visits from house to house throughout the area.

The head of Diresa San Martín reminded parents that if their children already have two doses of the measles vaccine, it is essential that they receive booster doses.

“The ‘Measles Free Childhood’ campaign is an opportunity to protect babies from a potentially fatal, though preventable, disease. “A single child with measles can infect up to 18 people. “he emphasized.

“The main aim is to strengthen the immune system of young people, through vaccination. Children who do not receive vaccines can become very sick, develop disabilities, and even die. For babies who are not vaccinated and suffer from malnutrition, the risk is even greater. For this reason, it is urgent to vaccinate them to protect them and ensure that these diseases do not appear again.”identified by Pinchi Flores.

He recalled that until October 27, the national vaccination campaign against measles will be held. The aim is to vaccinate more than 2.8 million boys and girls from 2 months to 6 years of age against this disease. Each dose of vaccine given is a vital step in protecting our children from serious diseases. Ensuring access to vaccination is a basic right that allows people to grow up healthy.

In that sense, the director of Diresa asked parents to sign the informed consent so that their child can receive the vaccine in their school. He said that the vaccination is done from house to house and in all health facilities.

“Operation Whale”: intense efforts

Likewise, Pinchi Flores pointed out that from October 5 to 8, the Regional Health Directorate of San Martín will carry out the ““Operation Whale”a large intervention that will be used in the districts of Moyobamba, Nueva Cajamarca, Bellavista, Lamas, Juanjuí, Tarapoto, La Banda de Shilcayo, Morales, Tres Unidos, Shamboyacu, Picota and Saposoajurisdictions with larger populations and with lower vaccination rates. The brigades will go from house to house to ensure that no child is left without vaccination, he said.

““Our thanks and recognition to those who do this work and especially to those professionals who, crossing rivers and showing their lives, reach the last corner of the region and the most remote communities,” he said.

The Regional Health Directorate of San Martín reminded that measles is not just a rash and fever, it is a virus that can cause blindness, mental and lung disorders, and even death. In addition, it is highly contagious. There is no cure or treatment for measles, vaccination is the only way to prevent it, he stressed.

Among the most common symptoms of measles are red eyes, runny nose, diarrhea, ear infection, fever, and a red rash that usually starts on the head. If these symptoms appear, it is recommended not to self-medicate and go immediately to the nearest health facility.

(FIN) JQC