MORE CHILDREN BEING IMMUNIZED

KINGSTON , June 20 (JIS):

Immunization coverage for children 0 to 11 months reached 86.5 per cent last year, while the inoculation level for the 12 to 23 months cohort was 87.15 per cent.

“We can be proud of our immunization record that provides our children with protection against 10 childhood diseases,” said Minister of Health, Horace Dalley, in his contribution to the 2007/08 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives yesterday (June 19).

“This programme is sustained through ongoing public education activities and advertising, sensitization of personnel in early childhood institutions as well as training health workers,” Mr. Dalley informed.

He added that “in addition, community outreach events are often conducted in order to find and vaccinate youngsters, who drop out and are not attending child health clinics.”

The Minister told the House that “this year, as a result of more efficient management and funding, there was no shortage of vaccines, which could impact negatively on the attainment of our targets.”

“The Ministry has received a grant of $167.2 million from the National Health Fund to support an expanded programme of immunization, which is in its second year,” Mr. Dalley informed.