Special immunisation drive launched in Dimapur

DIMAPUR — With improved surveillance in the Dimapur district, 112 fever rash cases were reported, with 53 confirmed measles and three confirmed rubella. This information was revealed in a press note issued by the office of the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dimapur, which also mentioned that the CMO has initiated a special immunisation response following the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare’s roadmap to measles and rubella (MR) elimination.

The note stated that the special immunisation drive is being carried out in areas where cases were concentrated, falling under the health units of Signal Angami, Darogapathar, Purana Bazaar, Duncan, Burma Camp, and Kuda village.

In this special immunisation drive, every child in the age group of nine months to five years is to be administered one dose of the MR vaccine, irrespective of their previous immunisation status.

The release also noted that Nagaland, along with the rest of the country, is committed to achieving the MR elimination goal by 2023 and described measles as a highly contagious, serious airborne disease caused by a virus that can lead to severe complications and death.

Following are the dates and locations of the session sites for general public awareness and information:

“Measles can affect anyone but is most common in children,” it read, adding that rubella can result in miscarriage, fetal death, stillbirth, or infants with congenital malformations, known as congenital rubella syndrome (CRS).

It said that getting vaccinated is the best way to avoid getting measles or rubella or spreading it to others and that the vaccine is safe and helps the body fight the virus.

The office has also announced the dates and locations of the session sites (see table) and stated that all children aged nine months to five years should receive one dose of the MR vaccine as part of the special drive. For more information, caregivers or parents can contact the ASHA, Anganwadi worker, or ANM.

The department has asked the respective colony chairperson, GBs, churches, civil society organisations, allied departments, and the community to help ensure the success of the initiative in protecting and keeping children safe from vaccine-preventable diseases.