SAFETY IS KEY DURING CAMPAIGNS
Dictated by WHO and followed by local Ministries of Health, safety is a step in the process given careful consideration. Special syringes created specifically to administer the measles vaccines are used. The syringes are one time use only, the syringe plunger locks after a single use. A fear of many people is that their child may get HIV from the needle, for fear it had been used already. The needle is attached to the syringe so it must be thrown away with the syringe.
The syringe is marked only with the exact amount needed for the vaccine, so an overdose is not possible," said Dr. Grabowsky.
A special box is used to dispose of the needles, syringes, and other materials. Much like 'sharps' boxes seen in the United States, these safety boxes accompany each vaccinator to the vaccination post. When the box is full, it is then doused with kerosene and safely burned. The entire process is monitored by supervisors. Every step is taken along the way to ensure that each child has a safe environment to receive the vaccine.
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