22 May 2012

Led by the Ministry of Health and supported by MCHIP, World Immunization Week in Tanzania was celebrated as a multi-agency effort. Organizers used the occasion to advocate for and promote routine immunization, provide vaccination for eligible children—particularly those who are due or past due for their vaccinations—and to inform the community about the new immunization schedule.

The immunization timetable, changed from 4, 8 and 12 weeks to 6, 10 and 14 weeks, was presented in preparation for the introduction of new vaccines against pneumonia and rotavirus, which are planned for January 2013. The schedule change will match the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended schedule, and is needed to ensure that children can receive their first dose of rotavirus vaccine with other antigens at six weeks of age.

The commemoration and new schedule launch took place at Kinondoni District’s Bunju health facility in Dar, where staff joined the mayor and regional stakeholders, as well as representatives from UNICEF, WHO and USAID. In addition to speeches advocating for vaccination, attendees enjoyed live music and a performance by a troupe intended to sensitize the community to the importance of immunization. Vaccinations were also administered for children under one-year old.