DK sees 81% students vaccinated on day 1, Feb 7

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Feb 08, 2017: On the inaugural day on Feb 7, Tuesday, 55,383 students (81%) were administered the vaccine as against the target of 68,500 school students in different age groups up to 15 years, said RCHO Dr Ashok. The central government’s mass drive against measles and rubella (MR) launched, overwhelming response in Dakshina Kannada district.

Taluk-wise figures : Record of 11,447 children were covered against 13,603 in Mangaluru city, this was followed by 11,107 against 15,207 in Mangaluru taluk, 9,766 against 11,183 in Puttur, 9,428 against 12,699 in Bantwal, 7,575 against 9,021 at Belthangady and 6,060 against 6,787 in Sullia taluk.

Dr Ashok exuded confidence that the overall target of 95% against close to five lakh students will be achieved in the coming days with the drive being held up to March 1.

Zilla Panchayat president Meenakshi Shanthigodu launched the drive at St Theresa’s School, Bendoor here. School authorities had made elaborate arrangements with dedicated rooms to ensure that the drive is conducted smoothly. Students of LKG ’A’, ’B’ and ’C’ sections were vaccinated at LKG ’A’ section room, followed by UKG ’A’,’B’ and ’C’ sections at LKG ’B’, from I ABC to II ABC at LKG ’C’, III ABC to IV ABC at UKG ’A’, V ABC to VI ABC at UKG ’B’ and VII ABC to IX ABC at UKG ’C’ section.

The children, accompanied by their parents, were seen standing in serpentine queues in front of the r


Dr Ashok has requested parents and children not to believe messages sent on social media in regard to the vaccination. He confirmed that the vaccine is safe and approved for use by the WHO, World Health Organisation. They are using auto disposal syringes. In India, 90% children receive the first dose of MMR under the universal immunisation programme, but only 50% receive the booster dose. About 15% of vaccinated children do not develop immunity from the first dose, so unless all the children are fully immunised, an outbreak is likely. He said following such problem, the health officials held talks with residents of Ullal, who refused to send their children for vaccination.

In Udupi district 1,72,721 students will be part of the vaccination drive. The mass campaign was inaugurated at Christian High School in Udupi on Tuesday.

Dr Rohini, DHO, Udupi district, said, "The campaign will continue up to March 1.The goal of MR campaign is to quickly enhance the population immunity to both measles and rubella in order to reduce death from measles and disabilities like CRS (congenital rubella syndrome) due to rubella infection in early pregnancy. The campaign aims to target 100 % to the targeted age group of children."

Dr Rohini allayed fears of parents and said that only disposable syringes are used. Dr Eshwarappa, child expert, said "Parents don’t have to panic. It is a onetime course and it is in addition to the regular vaccinations. It does not do any harm to children."

On day one of the Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccination drive, parents of children going to government schools were not given the opportunity to refuse the vaccine. They found that their children had been given the shot only when parents returned home from school. In the few private schools, however, several parents exercised their rights and did not give consent for the vaccination.