Daijiworld Media Network - Kozhikode

Kozhikode, May 19: The Health Department has initiated an intensive campaign to raise measles and rubella vaccination coverage among children under five in Kozhikode district. Officials revealed that vaccination rates in areas like Valayam, Vanimel, Chekkiad, Thuneri, Nadapuram, Koduvally, Thiruvallur, and parts of Kozhikode Corporation remain below 90%, with efforts underway to increase it to 95% by May 31.

Similar drives are also ongoing in Palakkad, Malappuram, Kannur, Kasaragod, and Thiruvananthapuram. Health authorities highlighted that measles and rubella are highly contagious diseases that can cause serious complications in young children but are preventable through timely vaccination. The vaccine is administered twice—between nine to twelve months and again between sixteen to twenty-four months.

Kerala currently records about 92% coverage for the first dose and 87% for the second. Last year, Kozhikode reported 62 measles cases, with no rubella cases. Statewide, 526 measles and 51 rubella cases were recorded in 2024, while till April 30 this year, 20 measles and 21 rubella cases have been reported. The World Health Organisation aims to eliminate both diseases by 2026.

Preparations for the campaign started in early May, with Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) identifying unvaccinated children. Mobile booths will serve children of migrant workers, and special vaccination camps will operate at all health centres for the next two weeks. Local committees involving social workers will also raise awareness, targeting families hesitant to vaccinate their children.