CHENNAI: Health Mnister Dr C Vijaya Bhaskar launched combined Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccine programme in Tamil Nadu at Chennai on Monday, amid rumours and anti-vaccination messages in social media about the vaccine. On day one, the government covered 12, 000 locations across the state.
The Minister, along with health secretary J Radhakrishnan, launched the programme at Government Higher Secondary School here around 9 am. The first ever mandatory MR vaccination drive will go on till February 28.
There have been rumours doing the rounds on social media about the MR vaccine. This caused confusion among the parents whether to vaccinate their children or not, forcing the government to spread awareness in schools and educational institutions about the vaccine.
It may be noted that the MR vaccine has been licensed in India way back in 1983. Till now, it was administered by private hospitals. But now the government is doing it free of cost.
The Health Minister also had warned that legal action will be taken against those who spread rumours about the vaccine.
Five states - Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Goa and Lakshadweep - are selected for the Central government MR vaccination programme. MR vaccine will be introduced in routine immunisation, replacing the currently given two doses of measles vaccine, at 9-12 months and 16-24 months of age.
Rubella is a mild infection, but has serious consequences if infection occurs in pregnant women, causing congenital rubella syndrome (CRS), which is a cause of public health concern.