Srinagar, 10 August (KNO) : Doctors Association Kashmir has advised all the parents to go for MR vaccination of their children in upcoming vaccination campaign, starting from September 2018 in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. DAK appeals to general public, parents, school teachers, private schools, religious clerics, and media houses to cooperate fully in this gigantic task of eliminating measles and rubella by 2020.
Dr Suhail Naik, President DAK said that Measles and Rubella immunisation directly contributed to the reduction of under 5 child mortality, and it will also prevent CRS (Congenital Rubella Syndrome), where in baby is born with Mental retardation, Cataract, and Hole in heart. The Measles-Rubella campaign is a part of global efforts to reduce illness and deaths due to measles and rubella. Dr. Naik said that all children between 9 months to 15 yrs of age are to be covered under this scheme. Already more than 13 states have successfully vaccinated mentioned age groups under this programme. President DAK Dr Suhail Naik who is specialist in Paediatrics emphasised that MR (measles and rubella) vaccination is totally safe and people should remain away from “nasty rumours” suggesting otherwise.This programme will considerably reduce incidences of these two diseases and contribute towards healthy children, healthy state and a healthy nation.
Meanwhile DAK president has requested all media houses to highlight positive aspects of Measles Rubella vaccination campaign (MR campaign) in the state. He further added that childhood febrile illness is very common and it is routine that on daily basis we receive arround 150 to 200 kids in outpatient department at every district and subdistrict headquarters suffering from fever and associated symptoms. No illness should be attributed to vaccine in following days unless and untill opinion is not taken from credible vaccine expert team. General secretary DAK, Dr Owais H Dar said that measles is number one killer among vaccine preventable disease with more than one lakh deaths globally, including 30% happening in India.
Measles and Rubella are still a big challenge and cause of disability and mortality, Dr Dar added. In Jammu and Kashmir around 43 lakh will be vaccinated. Dr Mohd Ashraf said that MR Vaccine is a safe and an effective vaccine, in use for over 40 years and in many countries across the world. “DAK appeals to all its members to properly guide society and the parents and encourage them to get their children vaccinated. They should allay the fears of the parents in this regard.