Terming the anti-vaccine lobby anti-social, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan called upon the people to be wary of the propaganda against vaccinations that had provided children health security.
Speaking after inaugurating the State-level Measles-Rubella vaccination mission here at the Girls High School, Ernakulam, he said that there was no scientific basis in the opposition against vaccinations. There may be a few people who did not contract the disease, however, it is important to protect all those who are vulnerable to such infections and lead a healthy life.
The unscientific propaganda against vaccinations would lead to disaster, he added.
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The times are changing and the numerous scientific researches that bring about new knowledge should make us think differently. He said that propagating ideas that were prevalent before such such scientific findings are wrong.
A vaccine comes into the market after several trials and safety considerations. And the MR vaccine had been proved safe, he added.
Presiding over the function, Minister for Health K. K. Shylaja, said that the propaganda against vaccination would be dealt with sternly. Fake news were being circulated in the name of the Health Department too, she added.
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The State’s low Infant Mortality Rate against the national average is because of high level of immunisation coverage brought about by vaccinations compared to other States, said the UNICEF field representative Job Zacharia. He said 17 childhood infections that could be fatal are averted by the immunisation package.
Actor Rima Kallingal, who is the brand ambassador for the vaccination drive, said that before getting full information about the vaccinations, she too was confused because of the false propaganda.
As part of the drive, District Collector Mohammed Y. Safirulla's daughter Ikra and children of M.M. Haneesh of the General Hospital, Mohammed Ahsal, Hala Swaliha, Haniya Maria, and Hessa Hind, were among the first to be vaccinated.
The vaccination mission that would last a month would be targeting 76,13,602 children in the age group of nine months to 15 years. The first phase of the vaccination drive will be held in all government and private schools in the presence of doctors and teachers. Other vaccination sessions will be held in government hospitals, primary health centres and Anganwadis.
The theme song for the vaccination drive was handed over by the Chief Minister to the director, National Health Mission, Kesavendra Kumar. Health Services director R. L. Saritha presented a report.
Besides the coordination between various government departments, the Indian Medical Association, the Indian Academy of Paediatrics, Kerala Government Medical Officers Association, and Parent-Teachers' Association would be supporting the drive.
The drive is also part of the World Health Organisation's target of eradicating measles by 2020.
Kochi Mayor Soumini Jain; K.V. Thomas, MP; Hibi Eden, MLA; former MP P. Rajeev; and other State-level and district officials were present on the occasion.