PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE | Dehradun
To eliminate measles and rubella, the first phase of the special vaccination week (MR elimination drive) recently concluded in Dehradun district. According to the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) of Dehradun, Dr Manoj Kumar Sharma following the Central government’s initiative to eliminate measles and rubella, the Health department made extensive preparations for this campaign.
To work towards the elimination of measles and rubella, a special vaccination week is to be organised in three phases in the Dehradun district: the first phase from July 21 to 31, the second phase from August 19 to 29 and the third phase from September 18 to September 29. During these special vaccination weeks, all beneficiaries who missed their MR vaccinations will be immunised.
Notably, the MR vaccine is administered in two doses- the first dose (MR1) is given to infants at nine months of age and the second dose (MR2) is administered between 16 and 24 months.
Sharma provided an update on the vaccination drive, informed that the first phase commenced on July 21 and concluded on July 31. During this first phase in Dehradun district, a total of 817 children received the MR1 vaccine, while 740 children were vaccinated with MR2. Additionally, teams visiting to vaccinate the children educated parents and guardians about the possible mild fever that may occur after vaccination.
In such cases, they were advised to consult a doctor or administer paracetamol, which was provided by the vaccination teams. Further, Sharma informed that the second phase of the MR elimination drive will take place from August 19 to August 29. Importantly, for the vaccination weeks, a total of 284 ANMs and HVs have been involved, along with 1,448 ASHAs and 120 supervisors.
