MR immunization drive: Children in 183 schools in Kalaburagi not vaccinated

The measles–rubella (MR) vaccination drive, which entered the 12th day on Sunday, has received mixed response with opposition from parents in 183 schools in the district.

District Health and Family Welfare Officer Shivaraj Sajjanshetty addressing presspersons in Kalabuargi on Sunday said that around 38,962 students in 183 schools were not vaccinated. As many as 104 schools in district completely refused immunization, while 50 per cent children received the vaccine in 79 schools.

As many as 4, 05,378 children received vaccine against the targeted number of 8,53,237 children in district. The highest target was achieved in Jewargi taluk with 57 % immunization, followed by Chincholli with 53 % immunisation. Both Afzalpur and Aland achieved 52% immunization. Chittapur achieved 47% and it was 45 % in Sedam taluk. Kalaburagi recorded 41 per cent in total.

However, Dr. Sajjanshetty said that the response was good in government school and achieved 48 % of the target in first 10 days. Nearly 340 cases of Adverse Event Following Immunisation (AFEI) were reported, the findings of the team of experts clearly established that the reaction was not related to the vaccine. Some children even experienced allergic reactions, but were treated and were fine now he added.

Anil Talikoti, WHO consultant said that the MR- vaccination drive, which is planned in the four phases, is intended to cover children in all the 3344 schools in the district in the first stage. In the second phase, the drive will focus on anganwadi centres, while the third phase will cover children who are not admitted in school. The mobile teams would also visit the schools once again in the fourth phase to improve coverage.

Following the drive, the vaccine will be introduced in the Universal Immunisation Programme, as MR-VAC for children of 9-12 months and 16-24 months of age. Dr. Talikoti said that MR immunization can be administered to girls even during their mensuration.

According to sources, measles kills an estimated 49,000 children every year. Measles immunization directly contributes to the reduction of under-five child mortality, and with combination of rubella vaccine, will prevent congenital rubella syndrome. He urged parents, teachers and Anganwadi workers to take active participation in MR-immunisation drive.