By Richard Onapatum
Katakwi District has commenced its yellow fever immunization campaign, targeting an estimated 185,000 individuals across the region. Spearheaded by Dr. Icumar Simon Omeke, the District Health Officer, the initiative kicked off at the District Chambers, prioritizing civil servants and political figures.
Dr. Icumar highlighted that individuals aged 1 to 60 can access the vaccine at nearby health facilities, schools, and public venues. The urgency for immunization stems from recent outbreaks in neighboring districts such as Karamoja and Abim.
Understanding Yellow Fever
According to the Ministry of Health Uganda’s National Expanded Programme on Immunisation field guide for yellow fever preventive mass vaccination campaign (April 2024), Yellow Fever is a viral disease transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. Primarily affecting monkeys in forested areas, the virus occasionally spreads to humans. In urban settings, mosquitoes can transmit the virus from human to human, leading to significant outbreaks.
Safety Assurance of Vaccines
Dr. Icumar Omeke reassures the community of the safety of the vaccine, stating that 95% of individuals develop full protection within two weeks, with nearly 100% efficacy within 30 days. Administered subcutaneously with a dosage of 0.5 ml in the deltoid muscle of the right upper arm, the vaccination process ensures widespread protection against yellow fever.