Polio vaccination turn-up ‘good’

POLIO vaccination in Port Moresby for travelers has been very good in the three recommended hospitals, according to authorities.
The recommended public hospitals include Port Moresby and and Gerehu general hospitals, and the private Pacific International Hospital (PIH).
Gerehu General Hospital CEO Steven Yennie said people’s turn up for polio vaccination at Gerehu has increased and there was already congestion for this service as they attend to both children under five and overseas travellers.
“We are seeing children under five from 8am to 12pm and overseas travellers from 1pm to 3pm,” he said.
Gerehu and Port Moresby general hospitals were given 500 doses of polio vaccines each after the government recommended the hospitals to vaccinate people who were travelling overseas.
Port Moresby General Hospital CEO Umesh Gupta has confirmed the hospital has received its 500 doses of polio vaccines on Monday and had started vaccinating travelers.
He said they were open for clients from Monday to Friday at 8am to 5pm.
“People need to understand these vaccines are only for travelers as a requirement of their visa passports and not adults that are not travelling.
“Polio vaccination is usually for children under five years but due the government’s recommendation and requirements of visa travelers, adults are given this vaccine.”
PIH chief executive officer Sandeep Shaligram said the hospital had enough vaccines in stock. The hospital has given out 1200 doses to people traveling overseas.
Health Department national coordinator polio response Dr Sibauk Bieb said PIH was part of the vaccination campaign but the hospital was purchasing vaccines at its own cost.
Bieb said the government would buy extra 200,000 doses for travelers.