Getting vaccinated: protecting yourself and others

Vaccination is the most effective preventive measure to protect against diseases and reduce the risk of epidemics in the population. The more people who are vaccinated, the more we reduce the spread of the bacteria or virus in question, and the more we reduce the number of cases among both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals.In Mayotte, vaccination coverage among children is insufficient, and there have been several cases of serious or fatal diseases that could have been prevented by vaccination. The pertussis outbreak that began in 2017 resulted in the deaths of two infants.

Up to 40,000 children vaccinated in 6 weeks

39 temporary vaccination centers (2 health clinics, 6 PMI branches, 12 Youth and Culture Centers, 9 schools, and 10 public facilities under the jurisdiction of local municipalities) have been established to facilitate access for all residents of the island. This distribution covers more than half of the island’s municipalities. Each week, 8 of the 39 centers will be open from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. for a period of 2 to 3 days. All vaccination teams will consist of at least one doctor and will be accompanied by translators to facilitate communication with the public.Depending on their vaccination status, children may receive up to three vaccines free of charge: the "MMR" vaccine against measles, mumps, and rubella; the "Hexa" vaccine against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, hepatitis B, polio, and Haemophilus infections; and the pneumococcal vaccine. PMI centers will continue to monitor children’s vaccination status after the campaign.

A communication campaign to inform all residents

Parental involvement is essential to the success of this vaccination campaign. That is why the Indian Ocean Regional Health Agency (ARS) and Public Health France are launching an information campaign. A single slogan—“To be well protected, all children must be vaccinated”—is featured across various media to remind everyone of the individual and collective benefits of vaccination:

• a radio spot airing starting May 22 highlights the importance and necessity of vaccination to protect children’s health;

• a local poster campaign in town halls, schools, etc., provides information on the reasons for and practical details of the vaccination campaign;

• information shared by all local stakeholders—including community leaders, mayors, healthcare professionals, maternal and child health centers, and schools—to alert the public and address their main questions.