Lagos State Begins Statewide Measles and Rubella Vaccination for Children Aged 9 Months to 14 Years (January 27 – February 5)

    Lagos State has announced the commencement of a statewide measles and rubella (MR) vaccination campaign targeted at children from 9 months to 14 years of age. The exercise is scheduled to run from 27th January to 5th February, covering all local government areas (LGAs), local council development areas (LCDAs), schools, health facilities, and community outreach points across the state.

   This large-scale immunization drive is part of Nigeria’s national effort to eliminate measles and control rubella, two highly contagious viral diseases that continue to pose serious public health risks to children.

  Parents, caregivers, school owners, religious leaders, and community stakeholders are strongly encouraged to support this campaign by ensuring that all eligible children receive the vaccine within the stated period.

Understanding Measles and Rubella

What is Measles?

Measles is a highly infectious viral disease caused by the measles virus. It spreads easily through:

Coughing and sneezing

Close personal contact

Airborne droplets in crowded environments

A single infected child can spread measles to up to 18 other children if they are not immunized.

Common symptoms of measles include:

High fever

Cough

Runny nose

Red, watery eyes

Skin rash that usually starts from the face and spreads downward

If not properly managed, measles can lead to serious complications such as:

Pneumonia

Severe diarrhea and dehydration

Ear infections leading to hearing loss

Brain inflammation (encephalitis)

Death, especially in malnourished children

  Despite being vaccine-preventable, measles remains one of the leading causes of child mortality in many developing countries.

What is Rubella?

Rubella, also known as German measles, is generally a mild viral illness in children but extremely dangerous when contracted by pregnant women, especially during the first trimester.

Rubella infection in pregnancy can cause:

Miscarriage

Stillbirth

Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS)

Children born with CRS may suffer from:

Deafness

Heart defects

Cataracts or blindness

Developmental delay

Because rubella symptoms are often mild or unnoticed, vaccination remains the only reliable method of prevention.

Why the Measles–Rubella Vaccine Is Important

The Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccine provides dual protection against both diseases with a single injection. It is safe, effective, and approved by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Key benefits of the MR vaccine include:

Prevents outbreaks in schools and communities

Protects vulnerable children with weak immunity

Reduces childhood deaths

Protects future pregnancies

Supports national disease elimination goals

Countries that achieved high vaccination coverage have successfully eliminated rubella and drastically reduced measles cases.

Why Lagos State Is Conducting a Statewide Campaign

Lagos is Nigeria’s most populous state, with:

High population density

Frequent migration

Crowded schools and transport systems

These factors increase the risk of rapid disease transmission.

Routine immunization alone is sometimes not enough to reach:

Children who missed vaccines earlier

Children not attending health facilities

Children in informal settlements

School-age children beyond infancy

This is why supplementary immunization campaigns like this one are necessary.

The Lagos State Government, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health, National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), and development partners, is taking proactive steps to prevent future outbreaks before they occur.

Who Is Eligible for the Vaccination?

The vaccination is free of charge and open to:

✅ Children aged 9 months to 14 years

✅ Children whether previously vaccinated or not

✅ Children in public and private schools

✅ Children in communities, homes, markets, and religious centers

Even if a child has received measles vaccine before, they are still advised to receive the MR vaccine during this campaign. This helps to boost immunity and close immunity gaps.

Vaccination Period and Locations

Campaign Dates:

🗓️ 27th January to 5th February

Vaccination Points Include:

Primary health centres

Public and private schools

Community outreach posts

Mobile vaccination teams

Religious and community centres

Parents do not need to present payment, hospital cards, or documentation to access the vaccine.

Is the Measles–Rubella Vaccine Safe?

Yes. The MR vaccine has been used globally for decades and has a strong safety record.

Possible mild side effects may include:

Mild fever

Pain or swelling at injection site

Temporary rash

These effects usually resolve within a few days and are not dangerous.

Serious reactions are extremely rare and far less risky than complications from measles or rubella infection.

Health workers administering the vaccine have been properly trained to ensure safety and correct handling.

Common Myths and Facts About the Vaccine

Myth 1: My child is healthy, so vaccination is not needed

Fact: Healthy children still need vaccines to prevent future infections.

Myth 2: Vaccines cause infertility

Fact: There is no scientific evidence supporting this claim.

Myth 3: Natural immunity is better

Fact: Natural infection exposes children to life-threatening complications. Vaccines provide protection without danger.

Myth 4: One vaccine is too much

Fact: Children’s immune systems safely handle multiple vaccines daily.

Trusting verified health information is essential for protecting children and communities.

Role of Parents and Caregivers

Parents and caregivers play the most important role in the success of this campaign.

You can help by:

Taking eligible children for vaccination early

Allowing health workers to vaccinate children during outreach

Encouraging neighbors and relatives

Sharing correct information

Avoiding misinformation from unverified sources

Protecting one child helps protect many others, especially newborns and children with weak immunity.

Role of Schools and Community Leaders

Schools, religious institutions, and community leaders are encouraged to:

Allow access to vaccination teams

Sensitize parents and guardians

Provide safe spaces for immunization

Support accurate health communication

Community cooperation significantly increases vaccination coverage and saves lives.

Long-Term Benefits of the Campaign

This measles and rubella vaccination campaign will help Lagos State to:

Reduce childhood illness

Prevent school outbreaks

Lower healthcare costs

Improve child survival rates

Protect future generations

Vaccination is one of the most cost-effective public health interventions in the world.

Final Message to Parents in Lagos State

From 27th January to 5th February, ensure that every child aged 9 months to 14 years receives the measles and rubella vaccine.

This simple act can:

Prevent lifelong disability

Protect unborn babies

Save lives

Strengthen community health

A healthy child today builds a stronger Lagos tomorrow.