As the world marks the 2024 immunization week starting from April 24 to April 30, there are reactions from medical doctors and health professionals in Nigeria on the importance of immunization. However, there are also mixed reactions regarding immunization. Many people not minding their level of exposure are often careful with accepting for themselves or approving all immunizations for their kids. Notwithstanding some reservations by some people as a result of some personal impression, myth, or religious indoctrination, World Health Organization – WHO claims that immunization, has saved over one hundred and fifty million lives around the world in the past fifty years.
This year, the theme of the immunization week is “humanly possible,” a phrase that speaks to the ambitious target of the WHO and UNICEF, to reach the entire population of the world with all necessary immunizations.
Dr. Nneka Madu, a medical doctor who practices in Owerri, Imo State, explained that World Immunization Week is a week “set aside to promote the use of vaccines to protect people of all ages against diseases”. Explaining why immunization is important, Dr. Madu pointed out that “Some infectious diseases can kill children or cause lasting damage to their health. So, a child’s immune system needs help to fight those diseases. Therefore, vaccines stimulate the body to produce antibodies that fight infection”, she pointed out.
On the question of side effects and if she has reservations about immunizations, Dr. Nneka said that the usual side effects are not considered a serious problem. “Side effects after immunization are mostly mild and usually last for one or two days. The most common side effects are fever, redness, swelling, and pain around the area where the needle went into the skin. Babies may be unsettled after immunization for one or two days”. Dr. Madu who has worked in the field of obstetrics and gynecology, is of the professional opinion that “immunization is the best way to protect your child’s health from diseases that could cause serious complications and harm.”
Dr. Tochukwu Nnama is a lecturer, who teaches Human Anatomy to nurses and medical students at the Alex Ekwueme Federal University. For him, Immunization is important. According to Dr. Nnama, “Immunization is very important; being immunized saves one a lot of stress, diseases, and even money. I strongly advocate serious sensitization on immunization across all ages and tribes in Nigeria.”
However, there are reservations about immunization which are expressed by some Nigerians. Mr. Prince Williams is a Nigerian lecturer and for him, he does not support all immunization. “I do not support all. At least, I do not support the COVID-19 vaccination,” he said.
Similarly, for Mr. Ikechukwu who is an environmental specialist, insofar as he supports immunization, there are still some reservations. “Yes. I support immunization. However, I have been particularly skeptical about some of the newly introduced vaccines, especially the ones for new mothers. I have heard a lot of disturbing stories when my wife had a miscarriage about how one of the vaccines she received during the birth of our first children could be a culprit. But you know, it might also be a conspiracy.”
But Dr. Mike Omenugha, a resident doctor in Osun state, is in support of all immunization because, according to Dr. Omenugha, “it is proven to promote health and prevent diseases”.
The reality remains that the ambitious target to reach all mankind with all needed immunization might be achieved through a serious effort towards enlightening the masses on the benefits of immunization. There are so many ‘bad’ stories associated with immunization and real, or imagined, the stories inform the decisions of many. Concerted efforts must be put into dispelling these stories to build the confidence of those expected to take immunization or approve of it for their children.
He is a Technical Assistant to Governor Willie Obiano’s Special Adviser on Legislative Matters, whoonce was a Special Adviser to a former Deputy Speaker of Anambra State House of Assembly. Ebuka is a second class upper division graduate of Political Science from University of Calabar, Calabar Nigeria and holds a Masters Degree in Political Science with specialization in Government and Development Studies, from Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka Nigeria
