Pics: Shylon Saldanha

Daijiworld Media Network–Mangaluru (SS)

Mangaluru, Feb 4: “Measles and Rubella vaccination will be conducted at schools and Anganwady across Dakshina Kannada district from February 7 to March 1,” informed district Health Officer Dr Ram Krishna Rao.

Addressing the media here on Saturday February 4, Dr Ram Krishna Rao said, “Measles and Rubella, is a highly contagious respiratory infection, which is caused by a virus. This causes body skin rashes and also carries symptoms including fever, cough, and running nose. The vaccine boosts the immunity system in children. It’s basically injected to children between the age of 9 and 15.”

“There is false information, passing through social media and we request the public to be aware of such information. There are few private mafia companies involved in spreading rumours and we urge government to take stringent action against rumour-mongers,” he added.

“The central government along with the state and health ministry has taken this initiative to protect children from getting infected from virus. This vaccine has been released after many researches and India is also exporting it to other countries. And thus we declare it to be safe. We request all the parents and citizens to cooperate with us,” he said.

RCH officer Dr Ashok said, “There are already seven reported cases in last four months. There may be even threat for lives of the children due to poor vaccination. There are few states which opposed this vaccination and now they are suffering.”

Zilla panchayat president of health and education Shahul Hameed said, “The government is spending huge revenue for this vaccination. In private hospitals, this vaccination costs up to Rs 3,000 per vaccine. We have appointed trained nurses for this vaccination and urge every citizen to cooperate with us.”