There are 104,457 children between 15 months old and 10 years old who have not been vaccinated against the measles virus, one of the most contagious on the planet.
From February 11th to March 31st, primary health care assistants – known as ATAPS – will arrive in the country’s schools in search of minors who need a dose.
This virus is deadly. It can cause meningitis and other injuries, hence the need to immunize the largest number of children in this age group. This not only favored them, but also the people who live with them.
The Minister of Health, Daniel Salas, said that when the teacher requests the documents, the obligation of the parents to send it; whether the child is vaccinated or not.
The authorities indicated that children who have not been vaccinated to date are not necessarily victims of health negligence, that is, that their caregivers deliberately decide not to vaccinate them; rather, it is due – in most cases – to not knowing the vaccination schedule.
However, if it is found that adults are reluctant to take children to health centers, they would face jail sanctions and intervention by the National Children’s Trust.
This is the second time extraordinary vaccination against measles is carried out, since the first was done two months ago.