Second phase of Measles-Rubella campaign to target 3.4 cr children

In the second phase, the vaccition programme will be carried out in schools, community centres and health facilities in eight states and Union Territories — Andhra Pradesh, Chandigarh, Dadra and gar Haveli, Daman and Diu, Himachal Pradesh, Kerala, Telanga and Uttarakhand.

All children from nine months to less than 15 years of age will be given a single shot of MR vaccition during the campaign. 

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.

According to the Health Ministry, the Measles-Rubella vaccition campaign has been successfully completed in the first phase in Tamil du, Kartaka, Goa, Lakshadweep and Puducherry. 

The campaign aims to cover approximately 41 crore children and is going to be the largest ever vaccition campaign worldwide. 

It is a part of global efforts to reduce illness and deaths due to measles and rubella/ Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS) in the country.  Measles immunisation directly contributes to the reduction of under-five child mortality and in combition with the rubella vaccine; it will control rubella and prevent CRS. (IANS)