BHOPAL: Schools across the state took part with enthusiasm in the new single shot measles rubella (MR) vaccination campaign that began on Tuesday. Irrespective of their immunisation status, MR vaccine is being administrated to all children aged between 9 months and less than 15 years. Madhya Pradesh aims to give MR vaccine to over 2.32 crore children during the campaign.“Many of the districts have reported nearly 90% immunisation for MR. A private school in Singrauli district has reported record immunisation of 2,405 children in a single day. It is the highest for any private school,” said MP national health mission (MP-NHM) joint director (immunization) Dr Santosh Shukla A village Papora, some 34 km from district headquarters of Tikamgarh, reported 100% immunisation on day one of the MR vaccination campaign. The first child to get the vaccination was declared as ‘MR champion’ by school authorities, he added.However, instances of low turnout were reported from Bundelkhand . Health official said that lower attendance was due to Makar Sankranti . All madarsas in also allowed health workers to vaccinate their students. Schools in Bhopal also reported a high turnout.“The first week of the immunisation drive would focus on schools,” Shukla said. As many as 49,299 child deaths due to measles are reported in India every year, as per NHM estimates. Introduction of ‘essential’ rubella vaccine that will help eliminate birth defects due to congenital rubella syndrome (CRS).Immunization drive would be held in four phases in schools, anganwadis, outreach and mop-up sessions. All health facilities will have free measles rubella vaccine and regular routine immunization sessions. Monitoring will be key aspect of the campaign both at state and district levels, said NHM officials.

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