Dubai, April 26th, 2012 (WAM) -- The Dubai Health Authority (DHA), is organizing a campaign to mark National Immunization Week from April 21 to 28 under the theme "Immunization should reach everyone in the community."The campaign is being held across all the 13 primary healthcare centres located across the Emirate as well as Hatta Hospital. It aims to educate adults on the importance of both childhood and adult immunizations and its importance Dr. Fatma Al Attar, Head of Preventive Services Centre, Primary Healthcare Sector at the DHA said: "This year, the Dubai Health Authority will pay special attention to educate adults about the importance of vaccinations to eliminate the misconception that vaccines are for children only. The rate of vaccination among adults is low and it must be much higher as there are many diseases that are vaccine preventable and by preventing those diseases, the rate of health complications can be reduced significantly."As part of this campaign, the DHA preventative services section recently carried out an educational program for staff members of Dubai Taxi, 80 drivers were provided educational material and counseling. DHA health educators also cleared their misconceptions with regard to adverse effects of vaccinations. Dr Al Attar said, "Vaccinations are the most cost effective protection, which helps the immune system and is the only therapy which is truly proactive"She added that vaccinations are particularly important for caregivers and that there is a very low incidence of adverse effects.
Dr. Fatma Sultan Al Olama, Head of Child Health Care Unit, Primary Healthcare Sector said: "Our aim is to ensure that all community members have updated information of vaccinations and their importance to protect the health of their children."Dr. Al Olama added that the authority is distributing educational booklets on vaccinations across all the health centres and Hatta hospital as part of the awareness campaign.Copyright Emirates News Agency (WAM) 2012.
