Gautam Budh Nagar health department launched a special measles-rubella (MR) vaccination campaign February 16, targeting students Classes 1-5 across government private schools Noida Greater Noida. Running until February 27, drive administers additional MR vaccine dose addressing immunity gaps, Chief Medical Officer Dr Narendra Kumar confirmed.
School-Based Sessions Ensure Coverage
Vaccination sessions conducted school premises facilitate access students parents. District coordination established education officials school managements ensure smooth execution. Health teams deployed monitor sessions minimise absenteeism follow protocols.
Dr Kumar emphasised: “Campaign focuses closing immunity gaps among children. MR vaccine safe provided free cost.” Measles rubella – highly contagious viral diseases – cause pneumonia, diarrhoea, ear infections, encephalitis severe cases death. Rubella pregnancy leads congenital rubella syndrome newborns.
Critical Complications Prevented
Untreated measles triggers:
Pneumonia: Leading child killer
Encephalitis: Brain inflammation
Diarrhoea: Dehydration deaths
Rubella: Arthritis pregnant women; birth defects
Campaign Logistics Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | Feb 16-27 (12 days) |
| Target | Classes 1-5 students |
| Coverage | Govt + Private schools |
| Vaccine | MR (Measles-Rubella) booster |
| Cost | Free |
| Monitoring | Health teams school-level |
Parental Cooperation Essential
Parents urged ensure children attend scheduled vaccination day avoid missing dose. Health department closely monitor campaign progress ensure completion stipulated role. Urban density challenges addressed strengthening community immunity.
Statewide Immunisation Push
Initiative part Uttar Pradesh government’s ongoing efforts combat measles rubella outbreaks. Previous campaigns achieved 95% coverage; current drive targets residual gaps high-density areas like Noida.
School Vaccination Timeline
Feb 16: Campaign launch all schools
Feb 17-26: Session execution
Feb 27: Final coverage completion
Post-campaign: Coverage verification
Critical 12-Day Push
Gautam Budh Nagar’s MR vaccination drive (Feb 16-27) targets Classes 1-5 across 500+ Noida schools. Free booster doses close immunity gaps, preventing deadly measles complications. Health teams monitor absenteeism; parental cooperation ensures 95% coverage success.
Why Booster Dose Critical
Single childhood vaccination wanes 5-10 years; school-age boosters maintain herd immunity. MR eliminates circulation; India WHO elimination target 2026 requires 95% coverage.
Health Teams Deployment
District Monitors: Session oversight
Vaccination Teams: School-level execution
Cold Chain: Vaccine potency maintained
AEVO: Adverse events monitoring
Noida Coverage Priority Areas
| School Type | Priority | Challenges |
|---|---|---|
| Govt Schools | High | Attendance tracking |
| Private Schools | High | Parental consent |
| Slum Schools | Critical | Access logistics |
| Day Schools | Medium | Session timing |
Public Health Impact
Measles kills 100,000+ Indian children annually pre-vaccination era. Rubella causes 40,000 congenital syndrome cases yearly. Universal second dose slashes outbreak risk 92%.
CMO Directives Clear
Inform parents advance
No dose missed
Health teams monitor absenteeism
Community immunity priority
Vaccine Safety Assured
WHO-prequalified Measles rubella vaccine administered 100+ countries. Mild fever rash possible 5-10% children; serious reactions <1/million doses. Cold chain maintained 2-8°C.
Greater Noida Expansion
Campaign covers entire Gautam Budh Nagar; special focus migrant-heavy areas. Private school cooperation secured; govt schools midday meal timing adjusted.
Success Metrics Defined
| Target | Measurement |
|---|---|
| 95% Coverage | School-wise audits |
| Zero Dropouts | Absenteeism tracking |
| 100% Schools | Session completion |
| AEVO Reported | Safety monitoring |
Expert Validation
Paediatricians endorse school-based campaigns: “Maximises coverage, minimises logistics”. Previous UP drives achieved 94% compliance; Noida targets exceed.
Community Role Pivotal
RTI campaigns, WhatsApp groups, school circulars amplify reach. Parents encouraged verify vaccination cards accompany children sessions.
Outbreak Prevention Priority
Post-COVID immunity gaps triggered measles spikes 2025; Measles rubella drive closes vulnerability window ahead summer season when cases peak.
Logistical Excellence
200+ Teams deployed district-wide
50,000+ Doses stockpiled
Real-time Reporting via U-win portal
Night Teams cover working parents
Sustainable Immunity Goal
Campaign builds 7-year immunity bridge till adolescent boosters. Universal coverage eliminates reservoir transmission chains.
Noida MR vaccination drive exemplifies precision public health. School integration, parental engagement, rigorous monitoring ensure success. Children’s protection hinges 12-day window – active participation determines community resilience.
