GREAT BAY, Sint Maarten (DCOMM) – The Collective Prevention Services (CPS) is calling on parents and guardians to keep check of their child (ren’s) vaccination status in order to make sure they remain up to date.
CPS surveillance system continues to closely monitor for any vaccine preventable diseases within the country. Measles, a highly contagious viral disease, which affects mostly children, has been dominant in certain parts of Europe and the Americas. The CPS surveillance has not detected any cases in the country to date.
The last Vaccination Community Outreach on May 25 organized by CPS, a department of the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labour, was termed a success.
A total of 94 clients visited the outreach for the school program within the age-group 4-17 for a vaccination or to update their vaccination records.
There were 22 clients for the Baby Wellness Clinic which handles babies from two-months old to 3.9 years.
There were 46 clients which was a combination of children, their parents and other adults who visited the SLS Lab to check to see if their Vitamin D was at a healthy level.
The Vaccination Program Outreach initiative aims to help bring immunization-delayed infants and young children up to date with their vaccination schedule. In addition, an opportunity to inform parents on vaccines offered within the program and the benefits and importance of such.
Vaccines save lives. Vaccines help your immune system fight more than 20 dangerous diseases. From the time we’re born, vaccines offer protection to help individuals stay healthy throughout their entire lives.
Evidence continues to show that vaccination is one of the safest, most cost-effective ways to prevent diseases and death.
Within the Region, many countries are on alert for Measles. Measles is a serious and contagious disease caused by a virus and is spread from person to person through the air. It can cause pneumonia, seizures, brain damage, and even death. Vaccination is the best way to prevent measles.
For more information you can call: 542-3003 or 542-3553 or email: sxmyouthhealthcare@gmail.com
Protect your community. Do your part. #GetVax
PHOTO CUTLINE: CPS Section Youth Health Care staff who carried out the Vaccination Outreach.
