Expanded Programme on Immunisation Charsadda In charge Dr Farhad claimed he had no knowledge about the deaths but insisted he would enquire about them. PHOTO: REUTERS / FILE
The father of the deceased children, Fakhar-e-Alam, a resident of Amirabad area of Rajar, Charsadda, told journalists his two-and-a-half-year-old daughter Kanwal died on Wednesday while four-year-old daughter Samina died on Tuesday after contracting measles.
According to Alam, both girls had been vaccinated, but still contracted the disease and were admitted to a hospital in Peshawar. However, they could not recover.
When contacted, Expanded Programme on Immunisation Charsadda In charge Dr Farhad claimed he had no knowledge about the deaths but insisted he would enquire about them.
The official further said the reason behind a child missing vaccination is parents’ refusal or that the child is already suffering from measles, because in that situation, the child cannot be vaccinated.
On Tuesday, two siblings, six-year-old Hammad and three-year-old Ayesha, also died of measles in Parejkhel, Charsadda. In the space of two days, four children from the district have fallen prey to the fatal disease despite being immunised.
The health secretary reportedly visited Charsadda on Wednesday and met the parents of the deceased children.
According to an official at the district health office, 20% parents in Charsadda refused to get their children vaccinated against measles during the recently-concluded immunisation drive, after children began having reactions to the shots.
The government concluded a 12-day measles vaccination drive on May 31, however, the campaign was marred by several instances of adverse reactions. Hundreds of children had to be rushed to hospitals across the province after they fainted following the measles shot, while nearly 10 children died in reported reactions to the vaccine.
Published in The Express Tribune, June 19th, 2014.
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Karim Khan
measles vaccine has reduced millions of deaths per years. So we cannot say its ineffective. but the preventive measures as you mentioned, should also be taken in parallel to the vaccination in disaster time. its a very contagious disease and for this awareness campaigns should be introduced.
Very sad news indeed. Once again it proves the vaccine is no protection against the disease. Everyone needs to practice better hygiene and develop natural immunity by eating well, exercise, and keeping away any distress.