Hoshiarpur- The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, has launched the Measles and Rubella Eradication Campaign (2025-26). Sharing information in this regard, District Vaccination Officer Dr. Seema Garg said that as we know, measles and rubella are contagious viral diseases which can result in serious illnesses and complications such as pneumonia, diarrhea, brain swelling and even death. The only solution to avoid them is complete vaccination.
Dr. Seema said that under the Universal Immunization Program, 2 doses of MR vaccine are given - the first dose in 9-12 months and the second in 16-24 months. The second dose of MR vaccine provides more than 95% efficacy against both measles and rubella.
The campaign will focus on immunizing eligible beneficiaries with two doses of MR vaccine along with timely administration of other vaccines, with special focus on areas of low coverage and poor immunity levels among children to achieve the goal of MR elimination. The MR Elimination Program was launched across India on 24 April 2025.
He said that we have identified people in Hoshiarpur district who need MR1 or MR2 vaccination, or both. Our ANMs and ASHA workers are calling them to the designated vaccination session sites for vaccination. Due to some suspected cases of measles being reported in various areas like Kacha Tobha, Garhi Gate, Krishna Nagar etc., a door-to-door survey is being conducted by MPHW (Male), ANM and ASHA workers to detect any suspected cases of measles in these areas.
Following this, a vaccination session was also organized at Krishna Nagar with the support of Municipal Councilor of Mohalla Krishna Nagar Meena Sharma at her house in Krishna Nagar. In which MR vaccine was administered to those children who were due for this vaccine or had not yet been administered it.
Dr. Seema Garg said that this campaign can be successful only if the general public is aware about it. He humbly appealed to all the residents of the district that if children show symptoms of measles or rubella such as rash on the body, fever, runny nose or red spots, they should contact the nearest Ayushman Arogya Kendra or Aam Aadmi Clinic where all kinds of consultation, testing as well as treatment are provided free of cost.