Health Department asserts vaccine is safe and has no hidden agenda
DIMAPUR, OCTOBER 1 (MExN): The Nagaland State Department of Health and Family Welfare will be embarking on a special vaccination campaign starting October 3 to eliminate Measles and control Rubella.
“In India, this campaign started in 2017 from the southern States and now it is our turn. Our neighbouring States like Mizoram, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh have all completed the campaign successfully,” informed press note from the Principal Director, Health and Family Welfare, Dr Vikeyie Losu.
Acknowledging that a campaign of this magnitude is not easy, the department said that it has been preparing since the last four months. “Our department has been working very closely with education, social welfare, IPR, other line departments, civil society organizations, UN agencies (WHO, UNICEF, UNDP) and faith-based organizations.” the Principal Director stated.
He informed that Measles kills and Rubella is known to result in abortions, still births and birth defects. “Every year many of our children die due to measles and vaccine preventable diseases. The success of MR Campaign will ensure that the viruses do not get a chance to affect or kill our children. This vaccine is an additional dose and so all the children 9 months to 15 years are eligible to take this vaccine,” he added.
“This vaccine has been in use for the last 46 years in the private sector as MMR,” he informed, adding that now the Government, through MR campaign plans to reach out to all children with this costly vaccine, free of cost. Dr Losu informed that already 12 crore children have received MR vaccine in India.
He meanwhile appealed to the public against believing in rumours and false reports about the vaccination campaigns. These rumours from various platforms, he stated are meant to create doubts in the minds of innocent citizens.
He, on behalf of the Health Department, asserted that this vaccine is safe and has no hidden agenda. “I appeal to all to dispel all fears and come forward to vaccinate your child, and give them double protection with just one dose,” he urged. “Let us all join hands and support this campaign to ensure a healthier Nagaland – Nagaland free of Measles & Rubella diseases,” Dr Losu appealed.
