Measles And Rubella Vaccination Drive Commences In Delhi: What You Need To Know

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From Monday, 6 February, the Delhi government will start its measles-rubella (MR) vaccination campaign across the national capital. Health department officials have said vaccination against Measles and Rubella (MR) has finally begun [1].

"Vaccination were suspended since the nationwide lockdown. However, when the situation improved, we observed that many parents still did not come forward for the routine doses. It has led to a rise in cases. That's why we planned an 'over and above dose' for all children (under targeted age group) to control the surge," a senior government official said [2].

In the aftermath of a stay order issued by the Delhi High Court in January 2019, and the Covid-19 pandemic in March 2020, the measles-rubella vaccination drive is relaunching today in Delhi.

India's National Health Mission has set the year 2023 as the deadline for eradicating measles and rubella [3].

Measles/Rubella Vaccination Drive In Delhi: Details

India adopted a national strategy for eliminating measles and rubella during 2017-2021, and introduced rubella-containing vaccines (RCV) into routine immunization programmes, as well as launching a nationwide measles-rubella supplementary immunization activity (SIA).

Here are some important facts about the Delhi vaccination drive:

• Children between the ages of nine months and five years should receive the measles-rubella vaccine.
• By December 2023, the Delhi government aims to eradicate these diseases from the capital.
• Children regardless of their previous vaccination history will receive an additional dose of the vaccine.
• A booster dose will be administered to all children who have previously received the two doses, and to all children who have not yet received a dose. This dose must be taken as soon as possible during the campaign.
• All Delhi government dispensaries and health centers, as well as some private health clinics, will provide vaccinations.
• In addition to setting up camps and providing vaccination services door-to-door, a sweeping activity will also be carried out after the campaign in order to cover those who were left out of the drive.

What Is Measles?

Measles, or rubeola, is a virus that spreads from the respiratory system to the skin. It causes a significant number of deaths worldwide, despite the existence of an effective and safe vaccine [4].

Although the death rate from measles has decreased worldwide as more children receive the measles vaccine, the disease still kills more than 200,000 people a year, most of them children.

Measles is a highly contagious virus that lives in the mucus of the nose and throat of a person infected. It can spread to other people through coughing and sneezing.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that children and adults receive the measles vaccine in order to prevent measles.

What Is Rubella?

Rubella, also known as German measles is a type of infection caused by the rubella virus. The infection develops red rashes all over the body, initially on the face from where it will spread throughout the body [5].

Children between the ages of 5 and 9 are most commonly affected by this contagious illness. In most cases, the symptoms of rubella are so mild that the affected individual does not realize they have been infected.

A combination measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is the most effective and safe vaccine against rubella.

Rubella vs Measles: What Is The Difference?

Rubella, also called German measles, is not the same as measles; some of its signs and symptoms are similar to measles, such as the red rash. Rubella is not as contagious or as severe as measles because a different virus causes it.

Importance Of Measles/Rubella Vaccination

Measles and rubella are very contagious diseases, but the MMR vaccine is very effective in preventing their complications. People who have received the MMR vaccination schedule are typically protected against measles and rubella for the rest of their lives.

As recommended by the Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP), a measles vaccine should be administered at 9 months of age.

Further, the MMR vaccine should be offered to all parents who are able to afford it in two doses, one at the age of 15-18 months and another at the age of six to six years.

Children can be protected against Rubella with a dose of MMR at 12-15 months. If missed anytime up to the age of 12-13 years.

Measles And Rubella In India

From 2017 to 2021, the incidence of measles decreased by 62%, from 10.4 to 4.0 cases per million population, and the incidence of rubella declined by 48%, from 2.3 to 1.2. Delhi had achieved a good level of coverage of about 70% before the Covid-19 pandemic [6][7].

This campaign was, however, derailed by the pandemic and the ensuing lockdowns and resources diverted solely to Covid-19 management.

Over 30,000 cases of congenital rubella syndrome are reported each year in India and measles cases have also been reported in Kerala and Maharashtra, according to the ministry [8].

On A Final Note....

A person with close contact to a measles patient is highly likely to contract measles, making it one of the most contagious diseases on earth. Similarly, rubella is a contagious disease that can wreak havoc if not prevented - emphasising the importance of getting vaccinated at the right time.