34,000 children in Tawau targetted for free polio vaccination

TAWAU, Feb 1 -- The Health Office here is targetting about 34,000 children, both citizens and non-citizens, for free polio immunisation between January and March.

Tawau Health Officer Dr G. Navindran said 43 per cent, about 14,000 children in several areas including Pulau Sebatik had received the immunisation since Jan 21.

“The Oral polio vaccine (OPV) immunisation will go through two phases with the first from Jan 21 to Feb 21 and the second phase from Feb 22 to March 21,” he told reporters at the launch of Tawau-level Sabah Polio Immunisation Campaign in Kampung Titingan which was officiated by Apas assemblyman Datuk Nizam Abu Bakar Titingan here, today.

Nizam said the initiative to give the vaccine reflects the government's concern to ensure the health of the people.

He also advised parents who have not had their children immunised, to meet with health officials either during the campaign or at the hospital to get free polio vaccination for their children.

-- BERNAMA