The on-going mass Measles and Rubella Vaccination drive for children from age group 9 months to 15 years has been extended till March 14th, 2017. The rumors on ill-effects of administering this vaccine at all social media platforms has undeniably hampered the vaccination drive.
Though, TV commercials and social media campaigns were run by the Government warning the rumor mongers and re-assuring the parents on the vaccination, indicating it to be 'free of side effects' and 'completely safe', yet a dilemma prevails among the parents. Hence, it is decided to extend the vaccination drive from 28th February to 14th March 2017.
In this regard, Director of Vaccination, Tamil Nadu Health Department, Thamarai Selvi has stated that, 'Close to 1 crore and 76 lakhs children from age group 9 months to 15 years were identified in Tamil Nadu for eligibility of measles & rubella vaccination. However, so far, only 76 lakh children have been vaccinated. This paucity is because of the baseless rumors spreading in social media, which has instilled a sense of fear among parents to bring their children for vaccination camps.
Hence, to increase the number of beneficaries and create awareness among the safety of the vaccination to Parents, the deadline has been extended to March 14th. From now on, this vaccine will be available at all primary health care centres, government hospitals and private hospitals throughout Tamil Nadu till March 14th, 2017. Hence, parents are advised to bring their children to these centres and get them vaccinated and protect their children from measles and rubella', said Director of Vaccination, Tamil Nadu Health Department, Thamarai Selvi.