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. Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India. Introduction of Measles-Rubella vaccine (Campaign and Routine Immunization)- National Operational Guidelines 2017 [Internet] 2017. Available from: http://www.searo.who.int/india/topics/measles/measles_rubella_vaccine_guidelines.pdf?ua=1 .

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 — Vikaspedia [Internet] [Last cited on 2018 Nov 15] https://vikaspedia.in/health/health-campaigns/measles-rubella-mr-vaccination-campaign