By Olivia Miwil
Pictures by Olivia Miwil
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah recorded ten deaths related to vaccine-preventable diseases last year, said state Health director Datuk Dr Christina Rundi.
“Five had died from pertussis or whooping cough, tetanus (3), diphtheria (1),and measles (1). All of them were not immunised,” she said.
Last year, there were 110 pertussis cases with only 21 were immunised; seven diphtheria cases with only two were vaccinated; and 73 measles with 11 were inoculated.
Dr Christina added some of the cases also saw patients develop the diseases even before they are yet eligible for the immunisation.
“For example, (vaccination) measles are supposed to be given at the age of 6-month-old but the child got measles earlier than scheduled immunisation,” she added.
In Malaysia, children are required to go through at least nine scheduled vaccinations for preventable diseases in the first 18 months after birth.
Deputy Health Minister Dr Lee Boon Chye had also been recently reported to say that unvaccinated stateless migrant children pose a greater health risk than parents who intentionally refused inoculation for their kids.
The stateless children could be vaccinated at RM40 for each vaccination, but many have opted not to receive it due to financial constraints.
Recently, Sabah Health and People’s Wellbeing Minister Datuk Stephen Wong had also said that the state government is mulling to work with the Health ministry to vaccinate all children including stateless community.
He had also said that the decision was made as children that carry diseases are posing threats to the people of Sabah.
In the case of outbreaks, Sabah Health Department would conduct supplementary Immunisation Activities to community at affected areas.
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