The Federal Government has commenced an awareness campaign ahead of the Measles and Rubella (MR) vaccination exercise scheduled to begin on January 27, 2026.
As part of the sensitisation drive, a stakeholders’ awareness programme was held on January 12, 2026, at the Secretariat Hall of Alimosho Local Government, Lagos, where participants stressed the need to take the campaign to the doorsteps of parents, private schools, and communities across Alimosho and its environs.
During the programme, modalities for effective public enlightenment were discussed, with participants urged to ensure widespread awareness within their respective councils to guarantee the success of the vaccination exercise.
Health educators at the event addressed common myths, misconceptions, and facts surrounding the Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccine, providing clarity on its safety and effectiveness.
According to information released during the sensitisation programme, the MR vaccine is a safe and effective immunisation that protects children against both measles and rubella.
Measles, a highly contagious and potentially deadly disease caused by the measles virus, spreads easily through coughing, sneezing, or even talking. Rubella, also known as German measles, is a contagious viral disease that often presents with mild symptoms similar to measles.
Health officials warned that rubella poses serious risks during pregnancy, as the virus can be transmitted from an infected mother to her unborn child through the placenta, leading to Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS). CRS can result in severe birth defects, including blindness, deafness, brain damage, heart defects, and other congenital abnormalities.
Symptoms common to both measles and rubella include skin rashes, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes.
The vaccination campaign targets children aged nine months to 14 years. Under routine immunisation, the MR vaccine is administered at nine months and 15 months of age.
Officials present at the sensitisation programme included heads of the Agricultural and Rural Development, Education, Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA) departments, and heads of the Public Affairs Units of Alimosho Local Government, as well as the five Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) within Alimosho – Igando-Ikotun, Ipaja-Ayobo, Agbado/Oke-Odo, Mosan-Okunola, and Egbe-Idimu. Also in attendance was head of department of Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps (LNSC).
The Federal Government reiterated its commitment to protecting children from vaccine-preventable diseases and urged parents and guardians to ensure their children participate in the upcoming immunisation exercise.
Public Affairs Unit
Alimosho LGA
Akowonjo
12/01/26
Leave a Reply