Measles-Rubella: 26 lakh children have already been vaccinated, says Dr Ilias Ali

GUWAHATI, Oct 6: Amidst rumours circling around the State that measles-rubella (MR) vaccine causes infertility and this vaccination drive is only targeted to a particular section of the society, Government of Assam has successfully vaccinated more than 26 lakh children across the State, said noted General & Laparoscopic Surgeon Dr Ilias Ali.

Talking to The Sentinel, Dr Ali highlighted that State of Assam has a wonderful eVIN (Electronic Vaccine Intelligence Network) mechanism since November, 2016 to ensure quality management of Vaccines. “This system gives real-time monitoring of cold chain temperatures up to the primary health Centre level and ensures that vaccines are stored in recommended temperature at all times in ILR (Ice lined refrigerator) as per Government of India guidelines with recommended temperature of 2-8 degree celcius,” Dr Ali said.

It must be mentioned here that unfortunately, in some areas of Assam, rumours have been circulated by miscreants that MR Vaccine causes infertility and this vaccination drive is only targeting to particular section of the society. Rumours are also circulated that this vaccine causes various types of new diseases. Similar rumours were also circulated last years during the drive of Japanese encephalitis vaccination.

Above 95% population immunity essential to stop endemic measles and rubella virus circulation i.e. why it is important that all the eligible children get vaccinated during this campaign inspite of their previous vaccination of MR/MMR vaccines. Therefore, “It is requested that all the parents come forward to extend your full support to the health department in getting your children vaccinated in this campaign and make India free from measles and congenital rubella syndromes,” Dr Ali maintained.

Notably, Measles –Rubella (MR) campaign in the country has been launched in a phased manner from Feb 2017 onwards while the campaign has been extensively launched in the State since August 18. According to Dr Ali, it is expected to cover around 41 crore children in the next two years across the country. All children aged between 9 months and less than 15 years will be given a single shot of Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccination irrespective of their previous Measles/Rubella vaccination status or MMR vaccination or Measles/Rubella disease status. MR vaccine will be provided free- of- cost across the states from session sites at schools as well as health facilities and outreach session sites.