Measles has been a highly contagious and dangerous virus for centuries, posing significant health risks, especially for children under five who lack vaccination due to their still-developing immune and organ systems.

Though a safe and affordable vaccine exists, measles continues to claim more young lives than any other preventable disease, with over 17,000 cases reported annually in Nigeria. To ensure immunity, children need two doses of the vaccine, with the first typically administered at nine months in high-risk areas and between 12-15 months in other regions, followed by a second dose at 15-18 months.

The 2024 Integrated Measles Vaccination Campaign aims to provide booster doses to strengthen immunity in children. Dr. Oladele Olatunya, a pediatric specialist, emphasized the importance of booster vaccinations in light of rising measles cases, even in countries where the disease had been largely controlled.

Outbreaks of measles have increased in various parts of Nigeria. For instance, in May 2024 alone, 809 suspected cases were recorded, with nearly 63% coming from states like Borno, Katsina, Osun, Bayelsa, Ogun, and Oyo. These outbreaks underscore the need for booster doses, which help maintain immunity that can weaken over time.

Dr. Olatunya explained that not every rash is measles; many can be caused by other factors, including heat, allergies, or skin reactions. Measles symptoms, however, are typically accompanied by cough, fever, nasal congestion, red or watery eyes, and a distinct rash. Severe cases can lead to pneumonia, convulsions, brain inflammation, blindness, or even death.

For any child showing symptoms, Dr. Olatunya advises parents to seek medical evaluation to confirm measles. Booster doses are safe and vital in preventing future outbreaks, he assured, as they bolster the immune response against the disease.