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Why did MR Vaccine Drive start in West Bengal? (Podcast) FAQ
Why did the Government of India start the MR Vaccine drive? The MR Vaccine drive has started in West Bengal, and parents across the state are asking their doctors whether their child needs to take this Vaccine even if they have received the vaccination as per schedule.
The Short answer is yes.
The Long answer I go into much detail here MR Vaccine Drive:What You Need to Know
Should your child receive the Vaccine if already been given two doses?
Yes
When to give the second dose of MR Vaccine for Routine immunization after the MR Vaccine drive dose?
After 28 days of the MR Vaccine Drive dose, the routine dose of the MR Vaccine may be given as per schedule.
Why is the Government going for an MR Vaccine Drive?
Measles causes high morbidity and mortality in children, and Rubella is a disease with serious complications in the form of congenital Rubella Syndrome. Through the MR Vaccine drive, the Government aims to protect 100 % of the at-risk population and prevent transmission as far as possible.
Previously though, measles was part of the UIP and National Immunization program.MMR was only given as a choice in a private healthcare setup. The Government has already started adding Measles /MR vaccine as part of its Revised NIS (National Immunization program) in a phased manner through this MR Vaccine drive.
Where will this MR vaccine be given?
Initially, at schools.
Then at Subcentres and Government designated vaccine outposts.
Additional rural and urban vaccination runs and eventually through the NIS.
According to a Health Department Government official estimated 2.5 crore children in West Bengal fall in the eligible age group for this special vaccine drive. eligible to get a dose of the vaccine[1].
Why is this MR Vaccine needed?
According to data, India suffers 37% of the global burden of measles mortality. The campaign started in Kerela to cover 35 million Indian children in the appropriate age group. Eliminating measles in India will help Indian children live healthier lives. To rapidly build up immunity the aim is to go for 100% coverage. With this, the Government of India has started its fight against Congenital Rubella Syndrome which causes life-incompatible birth defects in 40, 000 (approx)children every year.
Why schools are at the start of this campaign?
Children do everything better whether they have their peers around.
Schools make it a convenient location for parents too for ease of access as hospitals are often crowded and need a special day off from their place of work for the vaccination.
What will help prevent barriers?
- Conducting awareness by doctors in schools where they can answer questions from students and their parents face to face.
- Make it safe and tell the parents about the precautions the school and government is taking during the vaccination camp.
- It’s best to explain why it’s important through social channels and peer outreach. Talking to older kids so that they can talk to their juniors.
- Don’t make the vaccination camp sudden. Give ample time for preparation and awareness.
- It’s a good practice to have emergency service available and quick response teams appointed for each school to prevent any problems.
Our children are helped when we take the right decision now to protect their future. Help make the MR Vaccination Drive successful.
Resources
1.1.ย Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India. Introduction of Measles-Rubella vaccine (Campaign and Routine Immunization)- National Operational Guidelines 2017 [Internet]ย 2017. Available from:ย http://www.searo.who.int/india/topics/measles/measles_rubella_vaccine_guidelines.pdf?ua=1ย .
2 MR Vaccine Drive:What you need to know
3. Drivers and barriers for measles-rubella vaccination campaign: A qualitative study
V. K. Krishnendhu1 and Leyanna Susan George1
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6482745/
4.https://www.telegraphindia.com/my-kolkata/news/measles-rubella-vaccination-drive-for-children-starts-in-west-bengal/cid/1908907
5.Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccination campaign โ Vikaspedia [Internet] [Last cited on 2018 Nov 15] https://vikaspedia.in/health/health-campaigns/measles-rubella-mr-vaccination-campaign
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Digital Health Incentive Scheme
Digital Health Incentive Scheme
National Health Authority (NHA) intends to support different stakeholders of healthcare ecosystem like clinics, hospitals, and laboratories in adopting the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) platform so as to make the benefits of digital health accessible for every section of the society.
Although, there has been unprecedented growth in digital health records over the past few months, there is huge potential for further growth as healthcare continues to be offered non digitally on a significant scale. To further boost digital health transactions in the country, Mission Steering Group (MSG) in its meeting held on 31st August, 2022 directed NHA to bring a scheme for incentivization of different stakeholders of the health system.
In the past as well, for promotion of other significant health initiatives like National Tuberculosis Elimination Program (NTEP) and Family Planning Program; incentivization schemes were implemented and were found to be very effective.
This scheme would not only encourage health care providers to adopt digital health but would also motivate developers of digital health solutions such as Hospital/Health Management Information System (HMIS) and Laboratory Management Information System (LMIS) to make the quality solutions available at an affordable cost.
Salient points about the Incentive scheme
โซ Incentives would be provided to the following players in the ecosystem: โซ Health Facilities having 10 or more beds as provided in the Health Facility Registry โข Laboratory/radiology diagnostics centres or by whatever name called Entities providing ABDM enabled digital solutions (Digital Solution Companies)
โซ Benefits will be provided to the health facilities only for transactions done by them above the base level of transactions (i.e. only the transactions above the threshold).
Healthcare Facility
Hospitals
Base Level Criteria:50 Transactions per bed
Incentives above the base level:
Rs 20 per additional transaction
Diagnostic facilities Labs
Base level:Per month 500 Transactions per month
Incentive:Rs 15 per additional transaction above the base level
Digital Solution Companies (DSCs) will be provided an incentive of 25% of the incentive amount received by the eligible health facilities using their digital solutions.
For ABHA linked transactions done by facilities not eligible for direct incentives (Clinics/small hospitals/ health lockers/Teleconsultation platforms etc.), an incentive would be provided to Digital Solution Companies. It is expected that the benefits provided to the DSCs will help reduce the cost or will be further transferred to the concerned health facilities to cover their cost of digitization etc.
Cost Incentives for Digital solution (HMIS and LMIS) Companies
For every Transaction by hospitals labs using their software and receiving incentives under this scheme:25% of the corresponding incentive amount received by the eligible facilities.
For other Transactions (including by health lockers. Teleconsultation platforms, small clinics etc.), provided the transactions are more than 200 per months :Rs5 per transaction.
โซNHA shall setup a mechanism to capture different type of transactions (stakeholder wise) and report the same on a publicly available benefits dashboard.
โซ Total financial outlay for the scheme for next 6 months is Rs 50 crore.
Details of the DHIS is also available at: https://abdm.gov.in/DHIS
For any clarification/assistance related to DHIS, please email us at: abdm.incentive@nha.gov.in
Press Release by
Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission Team
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How common is HPV/Human Papilloma Virus?Cervical cancer Awareness
Update 3rd February 2024
Awareness about Cervical Cancer is not very high in India.The Indian Government’s plan to help vaccinate girl child from 9 to 14 years age is commendable.
Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer for women worldwide and second most common cancer in Indian women. As per 2021, HPV Information Centre data, every year approximately 569,847 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer, and 311,365 die from the disease.
How common is HPV/Human PapillomaVirus?
Estimated reading time: 7 minutes
Wait, what is HPV? Is that what you are thinking? Then let me tell you, it’s a ubiquitous virus worldwide and can affect the reproductive system in women. But the spotlight came on HPV due to its role in Cervical cancer.
So how did this topic come about? Let me start at the beginning, and maybe this will help you talk to your kids about HPV. My daughter came home from school one fine day and asked me –
“Mom, what’s cervical cancer?”
I was folding laundry, and the question was so out of the blue I stopped and thought, this is it. I must talk. I always believe in age-appropriate communication, but this was not something I had thought would be the first conversation. So, I did the classic mommy thing. I asked another question.
Where did you hear about Cervical cancer?
Oh, mom, one of my friendsโ grandmas has her surgery today for this, and my friend was distraught.
Hmm, I was in a quandary and then thought this was a good way of explaining the issue. I told her this: โIt all starts with a virus called HPV or human papillomavirus.โ I had read in the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention that it is so common worldwide, that both men and women who are sexually active may carry the virus, though they may not have any symptoms.
Daughter: โDoes HPV cause health problems?”
Me: โYes, it does. But in many cases, HPV infection naturally resolves within two years without health problems. Otherwise, it can cause genital warts and cancer.”
Daughter โSo if this virus is everywhere, can everyone get cancer from it ?โ
Me: โThis virus has more than 100 types, of which around 14 are cancer-causing or oncogenic. The commonest are HPV,16,18. The non-oncogenic ones like HPV6,11 cause small warts you see on different body parts like a hand, feet, etc.
Daughter: “But how do people get HPV infection?
Me: “It’s caused by sexual contact.”
Daughter: โCan people get protected from it?โ
Me: “Yes! Safe sex, including usage of condoms and dental dams, monogamous (meaning single partner) relationships, and a vaccine can help protect against the oncogenic variety of HPVs.โ
Daughter: โWhat are the cancers that HPV can cause?
Me: HPV can cause cervical and other cancers, including cancer of the vulva, vagina, or anus in women.
Luckily the little one didn’t carry on with her questionnaire as the bell rang, and she went to play with her friend next door. But if you are a parent, I have some more information.
Statistics about HPV infection
- HPV infection is a crucial risk factor for cervical cancer. It can affect many body parts with many different strains, but a few can cause cancer. Thatโs why itโs an essential topic for health education. There are more than 100 HPV genotypes. Around 14 of the oncogenic variants are responsible for cancers.
- Cervical cancer: It’s the second most common cancer in India in women. As per 2021, HPV Information Centre data, approximately 1,23,907 women are affected, and 77,348 lose their battle to Cervical cancer annually in India.
Thatโs the bad news. The good news is it’s preventable if you take care in time that’s where a parent’s role comes into play. FAQs about HPV that will help you stay aware
HPV causes cervical cancer, but there’s a protective vaccine.
Which are the oncogenic varieties of HPV?
HPV 16,18,31,33,35,39.45.51,52,56,58 and 59
HPV infection symptoms:
Often, HPV infections cause no symptoms, and the body clears the infection on its own in a few years. Many people never know they were infected with HPV.
Genital warts look like fleshy bumps or multiple bumps in the genital area. They are of different sizes – from pinheads to larger. Flat or raises, and sometimes they look like cauliflowers. They may go away, stay the same, or increase in number or size.
Can HPV cause cancer?
Cervical cancer is the most common cancer caused by HPV infection. Some varieties of HPV can drive the transformation of cells and cause Cervical cancers in some instances. Most cervical lesions donโt progress to cancer. But since access to healthcare and reporting go hand in hand, the numbers we have may be just an approximation.
The period from infection with oncogenic HPV and cancer may exceed 20 years. Depending on immune status, most infections get better within one to two years. HIV-infected people and those with depressed immunity may have difficulty getting the virus out of their bodies.
Other cancers caused by HPV include:
Invasive cancer of vulva, vagina, anus. penis and some oropharyngeal cancer.
Can HPV be prevented?
Thereโs no treatment for the virus itself. But most genital HPV infections go away with the help of a personโs immune system.
- Genital warts can go away with treatment from your doctor. If left untreated, genital warts may go away, stay the same, or grow in size or number.
- Cervical precancer treatment is available. Women who get routine Pap tests and follow up as needed can find problems before cancer develops.
- Other HPV-related cancers are also more treatable when found and treated early.
How is HPV transmitted?
HPV is transmitted during sexual intercourse, oral sex, deep kissing, and possibly touching an infected partnerโs genitalia. A monogamous person can get an HPV infection from an infected partner.
How to prevent HPV infection?
Prevention is always better. The only way to avoid all risk of any type of HPV infection is to never be sexually active — no vaginal, anal, or oral sex.
- To lower your risk, you can also limit the number of sex partners you have. And you can choose partners who’ve had few or no sex partners before you.
- Get vaccinated. The HPV vaccine is safe and effective. Protection against HPV, luckily, is more manageable. Vaccines help protect against HPV infections that cause genital warts or cervical cancer.
- Get screened for cervical cancer. Routine screening for women aged 25 to 65 years old can prevent cervical cancer.
Protection is best when the vaccine is given before infection with HPV.
Consult your Pediatrician or Gynaecologist about the right ages to give the vaccine.
Does talking about sex make this a promo for other stuff?
Not really. If you remember your growing-up years, you will understand no one told you stuff; you just found out. It’s likely kids will too. But as parents, we need to keep communication channels open, educate and empower them give them the available protection. Talk with age-appropriate resources in school about sex education. Itโs important to talk to them about being responsible, remembering there is a proper age for everything, good nutrition, and vaccination all play a crucial role in keeping kids safe.
To find out the most suitable vaccine and vaccination schedule for you, you need to talk to your doctor.
Issued in public interest by MSD India
This information is for awareness only. Please consult your doctor for more information on HPV. Read the full Healthwealthbridge disclaimer .
This is a sponsored post kindly read my disclosure.
Resources for further reading
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COVISELF:Rapid Antigen Test for Home
With ICMR approved Home testing kit Coviself , testing for COVID 19 will become easier. That’s our hope. This kit isdesigned and produced by Mylab a Pune based company. The kit will help you test yourself and your loved ones without needing to visit a hospital or testing center.
With the vaccine, medicines, and testing we can fight this COVID 19 and win.
What exactly is the test.
Test for COVID19 protein antigen in nasal swab samples of symptomatic and asymptotic people.
Who can do the test?
Any adult who is able to follow instructions provided.
Do you need a doctor?
No. You can self-test if you are an adult. For kids greater than two years, parents can perform the test
Do you need a prescription to buy the self-testing kit?
This is not yet clear.But the guidelines have warned against misuse.
How to know whether the test is positive?
Two lines like in a preg color test
One C and one T. If both present a positive. No need for RTPCR. It’s highly specific for COVID19
If C present only-test negative. You will need to repeat after a day or get an RT PCR done. For symptomatic patients, please contact your physician.
If nothing present or only t present and no c then invalid, then test needs to be repeated.
Important tips when you do the test
Wait for 10 to 20 minutes for the test to show actual results. A strong positive is obvious within fifteen minutes.
Check the manufacturing and expiry date of the kit. Please don’t use it after the expiry date.
Don’t refrigerate the kit.
Dispose of the kit after use in the bag provided wash hands and sanitize the surface.
Perform the test in a room with the AC and fan off windows open, and well ventilated.
Download the Mylab Coviself App for Google play or Apple store.
What to do if positive?
Wear a mask
Self-isolate
Contact your healthcare provider/physician online
Get your family tested
Maintain all precautions.
Any risks with this test?
No possible risks are known or anticipated.
Mild discomfort while taking the Nadal swab or inadequate sample could be an issue.
Proper disposal of test kits after use is crucial.
Mylab had designed the nasal swab stick to avoid discomfort.
In case of pain or any other issue, avoid the test and consult a physician
What does the Coviself Kit contain
- One sterile nasal swab
- One pre-filled extraction tube
- One instruction manual
- One test card
- One biohazard bag
Exact 16 steps to perform the Coviself test
- Download the Mylab Coviself app from Google Play or App Store.
- Register by scanning with your QR code on the Test kit.
- Register yourself on the app.(ICMR guidelines)
- Wash your hands with soap and water and pat dry. Take out the kit components and have them arranged for easy access.
- Take out nasal swab stick. Insert inside one nasal cavity gently 2 to 4 cm. Stop in case of pain.
- Twirl inside five times.
- Take out and insert in another nostril. Repeat step 6.
- This is the sample. Carefully insert this nasal swab stick inside the pre-filled extraction tube. Pinching the bottom of it, swirl the nasal swab inside ten times.
- Break off the top of the swab stick from the breakpoint. Discard inside biohazard bag.
- Cover the top of the extraction tube with the screw-on nozzle cap provided. Tighten it.
- Turn it over so that you can
- Pour 2 drops in the test palate wells provided.
- Wait 10- 20 minutes.
- Please take a picture and upload it to the app. Confirm test result.
- Discard all test kit content inside biohazard bag and dispose of it according to local government guidelines for biohazard guidelines. Do not throw it here and there.
- Get the English PDF here
In Hindi content manual
How expensive will it be?
250 INR approximately.
Precautions need to be taken while doing the test. It’s better to self-test.For performing on kids and the elderly, please wear masks and gloves. Not to be used for less than two years old.
How far should you insert the nasal swab stick?
2 to 4 cm.
The population of India is a strength and also the most significant hurdle behind large-scale health campaigns.We speak different languages, our access to Healthcare is limited by where we stay in this country. A home testing kit will be a big boost in our fight against COVID.
How Coviself can help India fight COVID19
Suppose this and similar reliable kits are available in the market. In that case, older adults and kids can easily be tested at home. Quick large-scale screening is possible for offices and shops before reopening.You can quickly screen travelers.
Last words
Do it gently.
Dispose of all properly in biohazard bags.
You need to get the app on your phone.
Register and upload the pictures
Reference:
https://coviself.com/ifu/
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#IndiaFightsCOVID
India fights COVID and misinformation. It’s not easy to fight unknown enemies. It’s even more challenging to fight misinformation.Its important to talk more about this now.
One major way Coronavirus spreads is by aerosol. So mask will protect.Central heating and air conditioning is a problem.
How long the virus is alive suspended in air depends on the temperature and relative humidity of a room.How far the aerosol will travel is also variable.
The Indian Government has advised a 10 m distance to prevent aerosol transmission.Some studies have shown transmission of aerosols even upto 21m.
What’s important to remember in this is even after vaccination,schools, shopping malls,multiplexes,restaurants will need to invest in redesigning their ventilation systems.Air conditioning will need to be rethought. Especially if it’s centralized.
Outdoors is safer than overcrowded indoors. Good ventilation is worth its weight in gold.
Vaccination even a single dose is 85 % protective. Both Pfizer and AstraZeneca have published studies regarding this.
DRDO’s Institue of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences and Dr.Reddys Laboratories have launched 2DG or 2 Deoxy glucose, a drug that will help reduce oxygen requirement in CORONA positive patients.
According to guidelines listed by AIIMS and ICMR, plasma therapy is not indicated.
Remdesivir, the drug everyone seemed to want only on Twitter from political gurus, has little or no scientific evidence backing its use.
Same with Tocilizumab, too, has limited evidence and needs to be used only under specific circumstances.
Mild cases of COVID 19 without shortness of breath and normal Sp02 don’t need oxygen at home.
Mucormycosis is a uncommon disease and happens under very specific conditions.
Random steroid use at home without a doctor’s prescription or supervision is dangerous.
If news channels and social media cause anxiety, limit your exposure to them.
Misinformation needs to be fought with logic and finding the source. Always look at the science behind treatments and the evidence as far as possible.
Do not forward or share any information without finding the primary citation.
Keep exercising at home and outdoors in open air to release endorphins and build immunity.Kids need this even more.Don’t forget to spend time in nature for improving your mental health.The fatigue is real.
If you are COVID positive with mild or no symptoms, remember to wear your mask at home and self-isolate.
Each and everyone should try to spread positivity and authentic information. If you stay, calm it’s easier to fight the evil of misinformation. Evil thrives in chaos.
Resources for more reading to help you stay ahead.
https://www.wired.com/story/the-teeny-tiny-scientific-screwup-that-helped-covid-kill/
