Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan inaugurated the State-level measles-rubella vaccination mission programme at the Government Girls’ Higher Secondary School, Ernakulam on Tuesday.
The Chief Minister said the effectiveness and safety of Measles-Rubella Vaccination have been scientifically proven time and again, through rigorous tests and experiments. The health department has set up vaccination camps in government and private schools, public health centres, CHCs, Anganwadis, and also in selected private hospitals.
According to Union Health Ministry, Measles immunisation directly contributes to the reduction of under-five child mortality and in combination with the rubella vaccine, it will control rubella and prevent CRS.
Measles-Rubella vaccination has witnessed opposition from several quarters. According to WHO, ‘Measles-Rubella vaccine is safe. Around 150 countries are currently using measles and rubella containing vaccines and they have proven to be highly safe and effective’.
Kerala Chief Minister tweed that, if you have any doubts about MR Vaccine Campaign, the general public may contact the toll free number 1056 and experts will answer your queries.
Measles-Rubella Vaccination – 10 Points
1. Measles-Rubella (MR) Vaccine introduced in Universal Immunization Programme as Measles-Rubella combination vaccine to provide protection against congenital birth defects caused by Rubella infection.
2. The vaccine was introduced on 5th February 2017, initially in five states namely Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Goa, Puducherry & Lakshadweep though MR vaccination campaign for children aged between 9 months and 15 year.
3. Till 31st March 2017, 3.32 crore children were vaccinated in MR vaccination campaign in these States.
4. While measles is a viral infection that can be fatal, congenital rubella syndrome is responsible for irreversible birth defects.
5. The Union health ministry’s campaign against the two diseases intends to cover approximately 41 crore children in a phased manner, making it the largest-ever worldwide.
6. The drive was carried out at schools, community centres and medical institutes, covering children between the ages of nine months and 15 years.
7. In the second phase which started early this month nearly 3.4 crore children across eight states and union territories Andhra Pradesh, Chandigarh, Himachal Pradesh, Kerala, Telangana, Uttarakhand, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu will be covered.
8. All children from nine months to less than 15 years of age will be given a single shot of MR vaccination during the campaign.
9. Following the campaign, MR vaccine will become a part of routine immunisation and will replace the measles vaccine, currently given to 9-12 months and 16-24 months children.
10. It is a part of global efforts to reduce illness and deaths due to measles and rubella/ Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS) in the country.
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