Lagos to Vaccinate 10.5 Million Children Against Measles Rubella

The Lagos State Government has announced an upcoming Measles Rubella (MR) vaccination campaign targeting 10.5 million children aged 9 months to 14 years across the state. The immunisation drive is part of efforts to prevent measles and rubella outbreaks, reduce child mortality, and protect long-term health. Officials say all 20 Local Government Areas and 37 Local Council Development Areas in Lagos will participate, with special attention to reaching underserved communities.

The Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, explained that the campaign will be conducted in two phases, with trained health workers administering the vaccine at schools, health facilities and community centres. He said the first phase is expected to begin soon, with mobilization and awareness activities already underway to prepare parents and caregivers. Parents will be informed through community leaders, mass media announcements and engagement with school authorities to ensure broad participation. Prof. Abayomi emphasised that measles and rubella vaccines are safe and critical for preventing disease, noting that measles can cause severe complications including pneumonia and encephalitis, while rubella infection during pregnancy can lead to congenital defects. (guardian.ng)

The State Government said the campaign will use a door-to-door strategy in some hard-to-reach communities alongside fixed-site vaccination posts to maximise coverage. Local health officials are being trained on vaccine storage, handling and documentation to ensure compliance with national immunisation guidelines. Lagos also plans to collaborate with non-governmental organisations and community volunteers to support logistics and social mobilization, especially in densely populated urban areas where outreach can be challenging. Parents will be encouraged to bring their children to designated sites, and caregivers will receive vaccination cards as proof of immunisation.

The health authorities reiterated that high vaccine coverage is essential to achieve herd immunity, protect unvaccinated children, and reduce the risk of future disease outbreaks. They urged parents and guardians to participate actively, ensuring their children receive the scheduled doses. What do you think about the state’s mass vaccination effort, and how can communities support successful immunisation campaigns? Comment below and share your thoughts.

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