Kochi: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan warned people against being trapped by anti-vaccination propaganda. Such false propaganda was being circulated without any scientific evidence, the Chief Minister said while launching the state-level measles rubella vaccination campaign at Government Girls Higher Secondary School, Ernakulam on Tuesday. “It may be true that a few persons are not getting affected with these deadly diseases. But the vaccination aims at making all people immune to diseases. It is unfortunate that a few people are spreading such false campaigns which will lead to big disasters,” he said.
“Vaccines are being developed through scientific research and experiments. It has been proved that MR vaccine is safe and without side effects,” he added. Through the campaign, as many as 76, 13, 602 children in the age group of 9 months to 15 years will be given the MR vaccine which can prevent the two deadly diseases – measles and rubella. The campaign is from October 3 to November 3. Vaccination will be administered at anganwadis, sub centres and all government, aided and un-aided schools.
Meanwhile, health minister K.K. Shylaja warned of strict action against those spreading false campaigns against the vaccination. While addressing the gathering, the minister said that rubella was now being reported from the state and concerted efforts were needed to develop immunity against the disease. The campaign was kicked off by giving the vaccination to 5-year-old Ikra Shanam, daughter of district collector Muhammad Y. Safirulla. Mayor Soumini Jain, K.V. Thomas MP, Hibi Eden MLA, district panchayat president Asha Sanil, actor Rima Kallingal and officials of WHO, UNICEF, IMA, National Health Mission and KGMOA also attended.
