GREAT BAY (DCOMM):--- There are a number of measle outbreaks throughout the world. Measles can be a serious and potentially fatal illness and children who have not been vaccinated are particularly at risk of measles during this time.
Parents are urged to ensure their children are protected against measles. Measles is a highly infectious disease; one in 20 will get pneumonia, one in 1000 will get encephalitis and 1-2 in 1000 will die from the disease.
To be protected you either need to have received the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine to have had the disease. There is no other way to prevent measles infection. Two doses of MMR vaccine are recommended, the first given at 12-months of age, and the second at 4-5 years of age.
Dr. V.S. Asin Oostburg, Head of Collective Prevention Services (CPS) told the Department of Communication (DCOMM) that the open house was one health programme that is part of the public health ministry's interventions to reach out to the community to have their health status "Checked" against measles, and the results demonstrated how successful the open house was.
After an analysis of the May 19 Vaccination Open House held at the Festival Village, Youth Health Care (YHC) at CPS is very pleased with the interests and turn-out to the event with more than 500 persons of which 192 children's vaccination status were checked.
Out of this group 75 children were vaccinated, while 117 were up to date with their vaccinations and the remainder got appointments to visit the clinic at the Vineyard Building for their additional shots.
The Dental Mobile Unit catered to 47 children who received complete prophylaxis with cleaning and fluoride application. 50 information packages were also handed out to parents and the children by Dentist Hilda Guevara.
Out of the 47 children, three were already part of the dental school program while 44 were new.
The Minister of Public Health, Social Development & Labour Hon. Cornelius de Weever, Secretary General Jorien Wuite, and Pan American Health Organization (PAHO)/World Health Organization (WHO) Dr. Christian Morales, an expert on health systems and services were present throughout the day of the open house.
Dr. Asin says she would like to thank the organizing committee who started working on the preparations for the open house since March. The organizing committee was chaired by Anita Priest who was assisted by committee members Claudia Yhan, Irene Serfilia, Anuska Gibbs, Deborah Granger, and Irma Knight.
Asin was also full of praise for the stakeholders who took part, which comprised of governmental and non-governmental organizations, private sector and civil society: Rotary Club of Sint Maarten, Nagico Insurance, Diabetes Foundation, Abbot Nutrition, Elderly & Pensioners Association, Alzheimer Foundation, Love of Kids Foundation, Red Cross and the board and staff of the Festival Village.
Minister Hon. Cornelius de Weever provided each participant stakeholder with a certificate of appreciation.
The theme for this year's open house was "Vaccination: An Act of Love – For you for me for everyone, get checked, get vaccinated."
Immunization is a way of protecting children against serious vaccine preventable diseases. Once a child or an adult has been fully vaccinated, their bodies can fight those diseases if one comes into contact with the respective virus.
Unprotected children are at greatest risk of contracting vaccine preventable diseases. Parents and guardians must ensure that their children are protected. Adults should also consult their physician to ensure that their vaccination coverage is up to date.
YHC can also be contacted if you want to verify your own vaccination status by calling Tel. 542-3003, 542-2078 or 542-3553.