Medical experts have expressed concern over the growing trend of vaccine hesitancy among parents and guardians, attributing it to misinformation and disinformation on social media.
The experts warned parents and guardians to desist from vaccine hesitancy or risk getting imprisoned or paying fines.
Speaking at the Nigerian Medical Association’s (NMA) scientific conference, doctors emphasized the importance of vaccination in preventing infectious diseases and debunked myths surrounding vaccine safety.
The Dean-Elect, Faculty of Public Heath, University of Ibadan,Prof. Magbagbeola Dairo added that refusal to present children for vaccination attracts fines and imprisonment according to the Child Right Law in Oyo State and Child Right Act in Nigeria..
‘’The Child Right Law in Oyo State and Child Right Act in Nigeria have already stipulated that parents, guardians and those who have custody of children under two years have the responsibility to ensure full vaccination of those and those who fail to do so are liable to imprisonment or fine.
“So, we should not run afoul of the law. It is mandatory for us to vaccinate our children. For those who are older, I am advocating that there should be a vaccination policy for access to government-provided benefits such as the national immunization, driver’s licence and entrance into higher institutions. Vaccination cards should be provided.
Dr. Adeola Fowotade, a Clinical Virologist, noted that Nigeria is plagued by infectious diseases, many of which can be prevented by vaccination. She lamented that people are showing apathy towards vaccines, driven by misconceptions and myths.
Prof. Magbagbeola Dairo warned that refusal to vaccinate children can attract fines and imprisonment, citing the Child Right Law in Oyo State and Child Right Act in Nigeria. He advocated for a vaccination policy for access to government-provided benefits.
The Chairman of the occasion, Prof. Rasheed Bakare, urged the public to embrace vaccination as the most effective way to prevent diseases. The NMA Acting Chairman, Dr. Happy Adedapo, warned against spreading half-information on social media, emphasizing that vaccines are safe and have saved countless lives.
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