JOHANNESBURG SOUTH – Parents are requested to bring all the children who have missed their doses at any age to the nearest clinics for catch-up purposes during the school holidays (October 6 to 10): Measles at 18 months, Td at six years and Td at 12 years to mention a few immunisation vaccinations that are usually missed.
1. What is measles?
Measles is a highly infectious illness caused by a virus. The virus lives in the mucus of the nose and throat of people with this infection. Physical contact, coughing and sneezing can spread the infection. In addition, infected droplets of mucus can remain active and contagious for around two hours. This means that the virus can live outside the body, for an example on surfaces and door handles.
2. What is Tetanus?
Tetanus, commonly called lockjaw, is a serious bacterial disease that affects muscles and nerves. It is characterised by muscle stiffness that usually involves the jaw and neck and progresses to involve other parts of the body. Death can result from severe breathing difficulties or heart abnormalities.
Prevention of the above conditions is by immunisation.
For more information contact Lorraine Dibakoane, OPS Manager Child Health, at 011 681 8087.
