The Dr. Otto Rodriguez San Pedro Polyclinic and the Ministry of Health held their first quarterly Immunization Campaign on Saturday April 21st starting from 8am through 3pm. Six nurses along with the clinic administrator and the Health Inspector took to the streets, where they went house to house in search of children in need of their immunization shots. A total of 73 vaccinations were administered.
Prior to hitting the streets, nurses prepared by researching their database and pinpointing children that had incomplete vaccines. Using this information they plotted their route, reaching areas such as San Pedrito, DFC and San Juan.
The nurses issued the following vaccines: OPV – Oral Polio Vaccine; PENTA – vaccine against Diphtheria, Tetanus, Hepatitis B, Pertusis, and Influenza; MMR – Measles, Mumps and Rubella; DTP – Diphtheria, Tetanus and Pertusis and DT – Diphtheria and Tetanus. Further to the vaccines, a total of twelve flu shots were administered to children ages six months to three years old.
Apart from targeting negligent parents, the campaign also served working parents that have not been able to take their children for their immunization shots.
According to Nurse Calletano of the Otto Rodriguez Polyclinic, the exercise was very successful as people were very receptive. She commented that while they did not meet their targeted goal, the next campaign, which will be held within three months is expected to be even more successful.
For the time being, parents are encouraged to be responsible and assure that their children receive all necessary immunization shots. These vaccines are against preventable diseases and very much needed by your children.
