By Rhoda Godwin
The Bayelsa State Primary Healthcare Board has announced a change in the date for the Measles and Rubella Vaccination Campaign in the state.
The campaign, which was initially scheduled to hold from January 20 to 29, 2026, has now been moved to January 27 through February 5, 2026.
In a statement, the Executive Secretary of the Board, Dr. Williams Appah, explained that the adjustment became necessary due to unforeseen circumstances, and expressed regret over any inconvenience the change may cause stakeholders and members of the public.
Dr. Appah noted that measles and rubella are highly contagious diseases affecting both children and adults, with serious health consequences, especially among children. These include blindness, deafness, death and Congenital Rubella Syndrome.
He said the state government will use the campaign period to vaccinate children between the ages of nine months and 14 years, as part of efforts to reduce the spread of the diseases and protect public health.
The Bayelsa State Primary Healthcare Board has therefore appealed to parents, caregivers, guardians and healthcare partners to support the exercise by ensuring that eligible children are presented for vaccination. The Board emphasized the need to avoid vaccine hesitancy and non-compliance in order to achieve wide coverage and successful implementation of the campaign.
All stakeholders have been advised to take note of the new dates and make necessary arrangements ahead of the exercise.
