By Sue-Ann Wayow
ALMOST 4,000 children have received a measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine.
Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh said on Wednesday that to date, 3,900 children have gotten the MMR shot just falling short of the 4,400 ministry’s target.
He was speaking at the ministry’s virtual media conference.
The ministry in recent weeks has been advocating for parents to have their young children up to two years old vaccinated against MMR even though they may not have been attending physical school as that vaccination is a requirement for school entry.
Deyalsingh said, “I am happy to announce that out of that 4,400, we have managed to reach and vaccinate 3,900 which is roughly about 88% of those and that is not a bad return at all.”
He added, “It means that we have potentially escaped an outbreak of measles which we do not want in any population. We have been measles free for decades now and it is a distinction we want to keep.”
The minister thanked those who worked on that vaccination programme and the parents who brought their children to be vaccinated.
For those who have not yet been vaccinated, Deyalsingh said the ministry will be following up with the parents of those children.
He reminded the public that with the pending re-opening of physical school for all, children’s vaccination status will be checked.
And also referring to the Covid-19 vaccination programme, Deyalsingh said currently, on a daily basis, there was an average of 1000 shots being given at all levels of the vaccination – first, second and booster shots.
He said he was pleased that at least 1000 persons were either becoming vaccinated for the first time or on their way to being fully vaccinated and having an added layer of protection against the virus.
