The Bauchi State Government has begun a five-day rotavirus vaccination exercise to combat viral diseases in the state.
Dr Rilwanu Mohammed, Executive Chairman, Bauchi State Primary Healthcare Agency, stated this at the inauguration of the vaccination exercise on Thursday in Bauchi.
Rotavirus is a virus that causes diarrhea and other intestinal symptoms. It’s very contagious and is the most common cause of diarrhea in infants and young children.
It causes inflammation in the stomach and intestines. It can cause severe diarrhea, vomiting, fever, belly pain, and dehydration in infants, young children, and some adults.
While rotavirus vaccine is used to protect against infections.
Mohammed said rotavirus was contagious and affects children, adding the agency had distributed 200,000 doses of the viccine to primary health facilities across the 20 local government areas of the state.
He said the state government had integrated rotavirus vaccine in routine immunisation to enhance quality maternal and child health services.
According to him, the Federal Government has allocated 900,000 doses of the vaccine to Bauchi State, adding that the agency so far took delivery of 200,000 doses.
“Three doses of the vaccine will be administered from six weeks,10 weeks and 14 weeks.
“The vaccination exercise will run from Aug. 25 to Aug. 31. The vaccine is oral not injectable.
“It is good for parents to present their children for immunisation to protect them against diseases,” he said.
Mohammed commended the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency and development partners for their support to primary healthcare services.
Also; Tariku Peru, World Health Organisation (WHO) official in the State, said rotavirus vaccine would reduce infant morbidity and mortality rate. (NAN)