By Amina Ahmed
Mr Samila Shehu, a father of three and resident of Azare in Katagum Local Government Area of Bauchi State, on Tuesday reversed his decision not to allow his children to be immunised, following the death of an infant in his neighbourhood.
Shehu, who admitted being a non-compliant parent during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Azare, said he was initially misinformed about vaccines.
According to him, the family’s repeated out-of-pocket health expenses could have been avoided if his children had been vaccinated.
“I have never vaccinated any of my three children because i was misinformed, i was told that vaccines could endanger their lives.
“The fact that my neighbour lost his child to diphtheria is the reason I decided to accept vaccination.
“We were told that the child died due to lack of vaccination,” he said.
Shehu explained that the persistent sickness and poor health of his three children also scared him into having a change of mind.
“We have spent so much on hospital bills because my children frequently fall sick.”
He told NAN that he was enlightened by Fathers for Good Health (F4G) on the importance of ensuring that children take all childhood vaccines.
NAN reports that Fathers for Good Health (F4G) is a community based organisation established by UNICEF for men, to engage husbands and mobilise residents for childhood vaccines and uptake of maternal and infant services. (NAN)
Edited by Ifeyinwa Omowole
