Western targets 35pc child vaccination rate

The Western Provincial Health Authority [WPHA] will roll out a province-wide catch-up immunisation campaign next month to address low vaccination rates among infants.

Recent health data revealed that only 35 per cent of the estimated 15,300 children under one year old in Western are fully vaccinated.

The campaign will target children who missed routine doses to guard against potential outbreaks of preventable childhood illnesses.

WPHA patrol teams will conduct field visits in North Fly and Middle Fly districts from Aug 17 to 28, before moving to South Fly and Delta Fly districts from Sept 7 to 18.

Officials clarified that the upcoming exercise is a routine immunisation drive rather than an emergency outbreak response like last year’s polio campaign.

The vaccines will follow the standard routine schedule given at one month, two months, three months, six months, and nine months.

WPHA said geographical accessibility and logistical barriers contributed significantly to children missing their scheduled shots.

As part of the outreach, health teams will conduct field surveys to gather data on service barriers and improve future health delivery.

WPHA urged parents and caregivers to bring their child health record books when teams visit their communities.

"The best protection any parent can give their children is to have them vaccinated. Vaccines are safe," WPHA chief executive officer Mirriam Boga said in a statement.

Resources have been allocated to ensure field teams reach remote communities.

Parents are advised to consult their nearest health facility or the WPHA office in Daru for details.