The health department has launched an intensive campaign to increase vaccination coverage for measles and rubella in children of younger five in the Kozhikode district.
According to officials, coverage is in certain areas such as Valayam, Vanimel, Chekkiad, Thuneri, Nadapuram, Code, Thirvallur and parts of Kozhikode Corporation, less than 90%. The aim is to increase it to 95%. The campaign will continue until 31 May and a similar initiative is also held in Palakkad, Malappurama, Kannura, Caragod and Thiruvananthapuram.
Officials point out that measles and rubella are rapidly expanding infections that can lead to serious health problems in children and infants. However, both can be prevented by vaccination. The vaccine is administered between the ninth and 12 months and then between the 16th and 24th month after birth. In Kerala, about 92% of children were given the first dose and 87% received the second dose.
According to the head of the medical clerk, Kozhikode announced 62 cases of measles in 2024. In the district, no rubelnic cases were reported in the district. This year, no measles or rubella have been reported. While 526 cases of measles and 51 rubel cases were reported last year until April 30 this year, Kerala announced 20 measles and 21 cases of rubella. The World Health Organization has set the goal to eliminate both diseases by 2026.
Officials say that pre -work for an intense campaign began in the first week. Accredited social health activists are now deployed to identify those children who missed vaccination and will give them both benefits. Mobile vaccination stalls will be set up to focus on children of migrating workers. Special vaccination camps will take place in all health centers in the district for the next two weeks. Committees concerning social workers will be created at the level of the local body to create awareness among people who intentionally keep their children out of vaccination.
Published – May 19 2025 20:22
