Public health analyst Samuel Arthur has warned that the occurrence of yellow fever cases could point to gaps in immunisation coverage, particularly among children who may not have received the vaccine.
Speaking to Joshua Kodjo Mensah on Morning Starr on Starr FM, Samuel Arthur said yellow fever immunisation must be taken seriously, stressing that vaccination remains a key measure in protecting people against the disease.
According to him, a single dose of the yellow fever vaccine provides lifelong protection, making it important for parents and caregivers to ensure that children receive the vaccine as part of the routine immunisation programme.
Samuel Arthur, who said he has been an immunisation advocate for more than 15 years, explained that his work has involved community behavioural change activities and efforts to create demand for vaccines.
He said children are expected to receive a number of important antigens within the first 18 months of life, including the yellow fever vaccine.
READ: Yellow fever outbreaks in Ghana appear to follow five-year cycle – Dr Sompa Otabil-Nelson
He noted that the emergence of yellow fever cases should therefore prompt authorities to examine the level of immunisation coverage and identify communities or groups where children may have been missed.
“If you have people contracting the disease, then it means there’s a gap in the coverage of immunisation.”
Samuel Arthur said he would not be surprised if some of the children affected by the disease had not received their yellow fever vaccine and therefore lacked the protection it provides.
He expressed concern about reports of children dying from the disease, stressing the need to strengthen efforts to ensure that eligible children are reached with the vaccine.
Samuel Arthur also called for increased community education to improve awareness about yellow fever vaccination and encourage parents and caregivers to complete the recommended immunisation schedule for their children.
READ: Yellow fever outbreak: ‘Deaths have already triggered panic’ – Public Health Analyst
He said sustained investment in immunisation advocacy and community engagement would be important in closing existing gaps and preventing further infections.
Story by: Pamela Quayson
