"IPV2 Vaccine Is Safe for Children": STMA public health nurse assures parents

STMA Health Director Urges Hygiene to Eradicate Polio

Doctor Pius Mensah, the STMA Health Director, emphasizes hygiene's importance in fighting polio. He believes that maintaining a clean environment is crucial to stopping the virus's spread.

During a recent briefing, he spoke about the IPV2 vaccination exercise. This initiative targets parents, guardians, assembly members, and community groups. The goal is to vaccinate every child in the metro area.

Mensah explained that polio spreads through filth. Therefore, good hygiene practices are essential for prevention. He highlighted that the IPV2 vaccine boosts immunity for children under five years old.

The IPV2 vaccine protects against all three types of polio: 1, 2, and 3. The health director aims to vaccinate 10,390 children under five during April. This effort aligns with national strategies to eradicate poliomyelitis.

Parents are encouraged to ensure their children receive the IPV2 vaccine when field workers visit their communities. Public Health Nurse Marian Borden assured parents that the IPV2 is safe and effective.

She mentioned that nurses would visit various locations for vaccinations. The month-long campaign coincides with "African Vaccination Week" and "Child Health Promotion Week."

The second dose of IPV provides extra protection against polio and prepares for future vaccination changes. By introducing IPV into communities, caretakers are reminded of overall vaccination importance.

As of late 2023, Western Region had vaccinated over 84,884 children under five with IPV. However, Ghana faces a shortage of critical vaccines for routine immunization due to supply issues across all regions.

This shortage puts infants at risk for diseases like meningitis and measles.