Srinagar, Oct 12 (KNO): The third phase of the Intensified Mission Indradhanush (IMI) is currently underway in Jammu and Kashmir, with the total number of vaccinated children in the first three phases projected to reach nearly one lakh.
Dr Tabasum Jabeen, Director of Family Welfare, MCH, and Immunization, shared with the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that approximately 70,000 children have already received vaccinations under IMI 5.0 during the previous two phases.
She said that the department is intending to complete the target of vaccination of one lakh children during the third phase that will end on 14th of this month. “We have vaccinated more than 70,000 children in addition to the pregnant women who were partially or never immunized. We will soon complete the target of vaccinating 1 lakh children,” she said.
During the first phase, 18,832 infants, 13,990 children above one year, and 5,094 pregnant women received vaccinations, she said, adding that in the second phase, 6,146 pregnant women, 25,144 children below one year, and 8,914 children above one year were vaccinated in Jammu and Kashmir.
She said the campaign is now being fully supported by U-WIN portal through which all the entries including registration, vaccination and digital immunization certificate generation will be done by entering the phone number of beneficiaries. This will help health staff as well as parents of the children to know about their due doses, she asserted.
With this feature, the health officials will have a digital due list and individual beneficiaries will receive SMS alerts reminding them of the next due doses and acknowledgement of the same, Dr Tabasum said, adding that this ensures effective tracking of beneficiaries which includes children aged 0-5 and pregnant women.
IMI 5.0 focuses on reaching zero-dose children aged between 0-5 years, aiming to provide life-saving vaccines comprehensively. Dr Jabeen emphasised the initiative's role in achieving Measles & Rubella elimination in the country, ensuring completion of the two-dose schedule of Measles and Rubella Containing Vaccine (MRCV) for every child under 5 by 2030.
“Once we cover all the children, only then will we be able to achieve the target of MR elimination by 2030,” the doctor said—(KNO)