Urgent Measures: Additional Measles and Rubella Vaccines for Vulnerable Children
Amid a surge in measles cases across various states, the Centre has urged states to consider administering an extra dose of measles and rubella vaccines to children aged nine months to five years in vulnerable regions. This decision comes following a notable increase in measles cases reported from districts in Bihar, Gujarat, Haryana, Jharkhand, Kerala, and Maharashtra, raising concerns about public health safety.
Rising Concerns and Prompt Actions
Particularly alarming are the escalating infections and approximately ten fatalities attributed to the measles virus in areas under the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and other districts of Maharashtra. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the Health Ministry has addressed a letter to the Principal Health Secretary of Maharashtra, copied to all states and Union territories, emphasizing the critical nature of the surge from a public health perspective.
Call for Vaccination Intervention
- Ashok Babu, Joint Secretary of the Health Ministry, highlighted that the affected children in these regions were predominantly unvaccinated, with Measles and Rubella Containing Vaccine (MRCV) coverage significantly below the national average. In response, a meeting of domain experts, chaired by a member of NITI Aayog, was convened to devise strategies.
Administration of Additional Dose
Based on expert recommendations, the Centre has advised states and UTs to contemplate administering an additional dose of measles and rubella vaccines to all children aged nine months to five years in vulnerable areas. This supplementary dose would complement the existing vaccination schedule, ensuring enhanced protection against the diseases.
Identification and Outreach
Vulnerable areas are to be identified by state governments and UT administrations under the “Outbreak Response Immunisation” (ORI) mode. Additionally, children aged six months to less than nine months in areas witnessing a high proportion of measles cases in this age group are also recommended to receive MRCV doses.
Strengthening Surveillance and Response
Given the seasonal pattern of measles outbreaks, the Health Ministry underscores the need to bolster fever and rash surveillance mechanisms for early detection of cases. Moreover, comprehensive surveys of children aged six months to five years in outbreak-prone areas are essential to ensure comprehensive vaccine coverage.
Proactive Management and Support
Recognizing the heightened vulnerability of malnourished children to measles, the Health Ministry emphasizes proactive case identification and management, including house-to-house searches for vulnerable children and provision of nutritional support. Immediate isolation of laboratory-confirmed cases and earmarking of healthcare facilities for effective case management are also mandated.
Swift Intervention Measures
The Centre has deployed expert teams to assess and manage the surge in measles cases in Ranchi (Jharkhand), Ahmedabad (Gujarat), and Malappuram (Kerala). These measures aim to contain the spread of measles and safeguard the health and well-being of vulnerable children across the nation.
