Measles-Rubella Rollout Begins in Osun, Expert Assures on Vaccine Safety

Dr. Sekinat Bola Oyebamiji, President of the Medical Women Association of Nigeria (MWAN), Osun State chapter, has issued a strong assurance to parents and guardians regarding the safety and efficacy of the new Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccine.

Speaking at a critical stakeholders’ meeting on Wednesday in Osogbo, Dr. Oyebamiji, a Consultant Gynecologist at the Osun State University Teaching Hospital (UNIOSUNTH), emphasized that the vaccine is a proven medical tool. She noted that while the combined vaccine is relatively new to the Nigerian routine schedule, it has been used successfully in countries like the United Kingdom since the 1970s with an exemplary safety record.

“The vaccine is safe, and we are actively promoting it,” Dr. Oyebamiji stated. She highlighted that Osun State is now benefiting from the nationwide rollout, which saw successful implementation in Northern Nigeria during the first phase late last year.

According to her, the introduction of the rubella component is a significant upgrade. While children previously received only the measles vaccine, the new combined dose offers protection against Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS). If left unchecked, rubella in pregnant women can lead to devastating birth defects in newborns, including blindness, deafness, and heart complications. Dr. Oyebamiji further disclosed that this vaccine was previously a luxury available mainly to wealthy families in cities like Abuja and Lagos, but it is now being provided free of charge across the country.

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The MWAN President called on religious leaders, school authorities, and community heads to act as “information ambassadors.” She urged them to use mosques, churches, and schools to dispel myths and encourage participation. “Anything that involves children and mothers is very important to us as both doctors and mothers,” she added, noting that widespread vaccination is the most effective way to reduce child mortality.

Supporting this call, Mrs. Tope Shadare, the State Coordinator for the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), confirmed that the campaign targets children aged nine months to 14 years. She assured the public that only trained and licensed vaccinators would administer the injectable doses. While the campaign is a high-intensity 10-day event, Shadare reminded parents that the MR vaccine will be integrated into routine immunization for children between 9 and 15 months moving forward.

The Chairman of the Osun State Parents Teachers Association (PTA), Mr. Fadare, pledged the association’s full cooperation but warned against the “triple threat” of rumors, political sabotage, and religious sentiments. He urged parents to see beyond partisan lines, stating, “What we are doing here is not for PDP or APC but for the future of our children.”

The meeting concluded with confirmation from international partners, including UNICEF (represented by Pharm Israel Olakanmi) and the World Health Organization (Dr. Bitrus Atizwen), that all necessary vaccines, logistics, and funding have been secured for a hitch-free exercise.