Warning: Vaccine Refusal Can Lead to Imprisonment for Parents

Warning: Vaccine Refusal Can Lead to Imprisonment for Parents
Warning: Vaccine Refusal Can Lead to Imprisonment for Parents

Vaccination Saves Lives: Medical Experts Warn Against Danger of Not Immunizing Children

Medical professionals have cautioned parents and guardians against the risks posed by not vaccinating their children against infectious diseases. At a scientific conference in Ibadan, Nigeria, doctors warned that misinformation spread through social media is contributing to vaccine hesitancy, which can lead to serious health issues.

According to child rights laws, parents, guardians, and those responsible for children under two years old who do not allow them to be vaccinated are liable to imprisonment. Speaking at the Annual General Meeting of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) in Oyo State, experts emphasized the effectiveness of vaccines in preventing diseases.

Adeola Fowotade, Reader and Clinical Virologist at the University of Ibadan, noted that Nigeria struggles with infectious diseases that can be preventable through vaccination. Fowotade lamented that myths surrounding vaccines are driving people to reject their benefits, and stressed that vaccines available today are not only for children but also for adults.

Magbagbeola Dairo, Dean Elect, Faculty of Public Health, University of Ibadan, corroborated Fowotade’s concerns, warning that refusing to vaccinate children can result in fines and imprisonment, in accordance with the Child Right Law in Oyo State and the Child Right Act in Nigeria.

Dairo also advocated for vaccination policies to provide access to government benefits, such as national immunization, driver’s license, and higher education, by providing vaccination cards. He emphasized the importance of educating healthcare providers to encourage people to benefit from vaccination.

Meanwhile, Happy Adedapo, the NMA’s acting state chairman, cautioned against accepting half-true information on social media, advising people to verify vaccine-related news before sharing or believing them.

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