TO ensure children in Ekurhuleni are safe from infection, Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality will conduct a tetanus, measles and human papillomavirus (HPV) immunisation campaign during October.
Tetanus is a condition that is caused by tetanus germs (spores). Tetanus spores are commonly found in the environment as they are the normal inhabitants of the intestines of animals and thus are normally found in animal droppings or faeces.
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 from October 4 to October 10 at clinics and at selected strategic communication points for children aged 6 to 12 years.
The measles second dose vaccine is a booster for children who have missed the first dose of the measles vaccine. It will be administered to children from 18 months to five years at créches and clinics until the end of October.
The HPV vaccine to prevent cervical cancer will be made available for girls aged between nine and 14 years at schools where the vaccination procedure will be performed by school health nurses.
The metro encourages all parents to participate in this catch up campaigns by bringing their children in to get vaccinated. Consent forms will be sent out to parents whose children attend créches and nursery schools to obtain permission for the vaccination.
