KOCHI: The aggressive measles-rubella vaccination campaign launched in Ernakulam nine days ago has so far seen more than two lakh children given vaccinations. As many as 29,670 children were administered preventive vaccination on Friday alone. The programme was launched for the students between the age group of 9 months and 15 years as part of the National Immunisation Programme for eradicating the diseases by 2020.
According to the Health Department, the number of children who were given vaccination in the district in the last nine days is 2,05,890 and 35,211 are below five years. A total of 68,533 children between five and 10 years were given vaccination. Those aged between 10 and 15 years who received the shots were 1,02,709. Out of the total number of children, 1,02,709 are boys and 1,03,181 are girls. The district administration said 6.76 lakh children have been targeted in the district for the drive. So far, the vaccination was given through various schools and primary health centres.
By next week, the campaign will be extended to anganawadis, play schools, and nursery schools. The authorities concerned said the parents who had shown reluctance to give vaccination during the initial days of the campaign have also come forward expressing willingness, which is really a good sign. According to experts, measles can cause pneumonia in children, infection in the brain, visual impairment and sometimes even death. It also spreads easily among them. Both the diseases can be prevented in vulnerable children with a single dose. Normally, the vaccination is included in the immunisation package given at 9 months and at one-and-a-half years of age, and there is no harm in giving the booster dose.
"In schools where the vaccination drive was already carried out, another day will be allotted for those children who were not able to make it during the first phase. The parents are now totally neglecting the anti-vaccination campaign launched by a section of the society and are co-operating with us. The PTA members are also volunteering for the drive in many schools," said a statement issued by the Health Department on Friday.
The schools have also appointed nodal teachers for the successful implementation of the programme. "The nodal officers undertake the major responsibility, which is really a relief to the doctors and health officials. The Education Department, local bodies, CBSE, ICSE managements and Sahodaya have also extended their maximum support for the campaign. The representative of World Health Organisation has already expressed satisfaction over the campaign," said the release.
A big shot in the arm
1 The programme was launched for the students between the age group of 9 months and 15 years as part of the National Immunisation Programme for eradicating the diseases by 2020
2 As many as 29,670 children were administered preventive vaccination on Friday alone.
3 A total of 68,533 children between five and 10 years were given vaccination
4 By next week, the campaign will be extended to anganawadis, play schools, and nursery schools