Intensive measles-rubella vaccination campaign launched in Kozhikode

The Health department has launched an intensive campaign to step up vaccination coverage for measles and rubella among children aged under five in Kozhikode district.

According to officials, the coverage in certain areas such as Valayam, Vanimel, Chekkiad, Thuneri, Nadapuram, Koduvally, Thiruvallur, and parts of Kozhikode Corporation is below 90%. The effort is to increase it to 95%. The campaign will go on till May 31, and a similar initiative is being held in Palakkad, Malappuram, Kannur, Kasaragod and Thiruvananthapuram as well.

The officials point out that both measles and rubella are fast-spreading infections which can lead to serious health issues among children and infants. However, both can be prevented through vaccination. The vaccine is given between the ninth and 12^th months and then between the 16^th and 24^th months after birth. In Kerala, around 92% of kids have received the first dose, and 87% have received the second dose.

According to a senior Health department official, Kozhikode reported 62 measles cases in 2024. No rubella cases were reported in the district in that year. This year, no measles or rubella cases have been reported so far. While 526 measles cases and 51 rubella cases were reported across the State last year, till April 30 this year, Kerala has reported 20 measles and 21 rubella cases. The World Health Organisation has set a target of eliminating both diseases by 2026.

The officials say that preliminary works for the intensive campaign had begun in May first week. Accredited Social Health Activists are now being deployed to identify those children who have missed the vaccination, and they will be given both doses. Mobile vaccination booths will be set up to target the children of migrant labourers. Special vaccination camps will be held at all the health centres in the district for the next two weeks. Committees involving social workers will be formed at the local body level to create awareness among people who deliberately keep their children away from vaccination.