96,328 children given Measles-Rubella vaccine in opening week

KOCHI: The government’s efforts to clear misconceptions on Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccination seem to have paid off.In just three days since the vaccination drive’s October 3 launch, as many as 96,328 children, or 14.2 per cent of the targeted 6,76,106  children, have been administered the vaccination. Of them 12,785 kids are aged between nine months and five years.

An anti-vaccine sentiment, mostly triggered by inaccurate social media posts, had swept the people’s psyche in the early stages of the drive. To counter this, the government launched awareness camps involving school staff, doctors and Health Department employees. The camps held in schools for parents have seemingly hit home as more parents are coming forward to get their children vaccinated. Sources said the presence of a doctor during vaccination and the fact experienced nurses from the government health sector are administering it are also encouraging parents to come forward.
No cases of serious allergic reactions have been reported in kids who took the vaccine, which is claimed to be 100 per cent safe. Disposable syringes are being used for the vaccination.

A meeting of school managements and district-level officers in Health Department will be held on October 9 to evaluate the drive’s progress. Officers of education sub-districts Ernakulam, Aluva, Kothamangalam and Muvattupuzha have also called a meeting of school headmasters. Health specialists from the public and private sector hospitals and paediatricians will be attending the meeting.Meanwhile, strict measures are being taken to identify people spreading misinformation regarding the vaccine on social media. The District Collector has requested people to keep tab on such posts and report them to the district administration or the Health Department.