Second stage of national polio immunization campaign begins in Kyrgyzstan
In order to prevent an outbreak and spread of polio, it is essential that all children in the country under 5 years of age receive a second vaccination BISHKEK, Kyrgyz Republic - August 23, 2010 - In order to prevent an outbreak and spread in Kyrgyzstan of the polio virus, on Monday 23 August throughout the territory of the country, the second stage of the campaign to immunize children less than five years of age begins. The results of the first round show that more than 600,000 children (95.2 per cent of the total) in Kyrgyzstan under 5 years received the oral vaccine.The national days of polio immunization are events of great significance for the epidemiological wellbeing and health status of the population of Kyrgyzstan. Therefore the Ministry of Health of the Kyrgyz Republic has called on the population to participate actively in the second round of immunization, which will be held from 23 to 27 August 2010. This will strengthen the already treated systems of children after the first round of vaccinations and will ensure protection from polio in the future. Every dose of oral polio vaccine (OPV) is important, as it further strengthens the immunity of children against polio. UNICEF welcomes the coordinated work of the Ministry of Health and all partners in the healthcare system which successfully carried out the first round of the immunization campaign. Thanks to the dedication of the healthcare professionals in carrying out their duty and their care in carrying out the task to protect children from the virus, immunization was also possible in places which had suffered from conflict. The vaccines purchased by UNICEF against wild type 1 virus (OPV) are a safe and effective substance which is used to reduce polio around the world. During the period 23 to 27 August 2010, children will receive vaccines free of charge at immunization points throughout the country. Parents, relatives or guardians should try to ensure that children living in remote, isolated and insufficiently serviced settlements receive the second dose of the vaccine, particularly if they missed the first round. Ministry of Health monitoring groups with the support of WHO and UNICEF will continue to monitor the immunization campaign around the country. Information from the ground testifies to the fact that the population understand well the reason for the immunization campaign and the necessity to protect their children from this viral disease. For additional information, please contact: The Ministry of Health of the Kyrgyz Republic
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