Nationwide Measles-Rubella immunization campaign kicks off today

Lahore: A two-week long measles and rubella immunization campaign has begun across the country today (Monday).

According to details, more than 90 million children from 9 months to 15 years of age would be administered vaccine during the drive that will be run from November 15 to November 27.

The campaign is being conducted in public and private health facilities, outreach centers as well as educational facilities. More than 386,000 health professionals, including 76,000 vaccinators and more than 143,000 social mobilizers, are mobilized for the two-week campaign, which is supported by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, UNICEF, WHO and partners. The initiative targets children aged between 9 months and 15 years; those aged up to five will also receive the oral polio vaccine.

In Punjab, Health Minister Dr Yasmin Rashid launched the campaign. She also appealed parents to get their children vaccinated to safeguard our future generations. 

“We are taking a number of steps to save children from diseases. Rubella can cause lifelong complications if it affects pregnant mothers. We will continue to take revolutionary measures to save children from diseases,” Dr Yasmin Rashid went on to say.

In Sindh, Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah kicked off the drive to administrate the vaccine to the children.

Meanwhile, coronavirus vaccination inoculation to children between 12 to15 years will remain suspended till November 27 due to measles and rubella virus campaign.