GBA begins Measles-Rubella vaccination for infants and toddlers

Bengaluru: The Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) has begun administering the Measles-Rubella vaccine to infants aged 9-11 months (first dose) and toddlers aged 16-24 months (second dose) under the Universal Immunisation Programme. 

The programme, which will run until January 31, is backed by the government of India, which has committed to eliminating measles and rubella by the end of 2026. 

In view of the likelihood of widespread transmission of measles from October to December and the possibility of a higher number of cases being reported from January to March, a Measles–Rubella fortnightly vaccination campaign will be organised at Urban Primary Health Centres and outreach areas of the five city corporations under the GBA jurisdiction, officials said. 

Parents of children aged up to five years who have, for any reason, experienced a delay in vaccination or whose children have not been vaccinated need to visit the nearest PHC and ensure that their children receive the required vaccines. 

This campaign covers 1,040 high-risk areas, including slums and areas reporting measles cases, under which 1,493 children will be administered the MR-1 vaccine and 1,512 children will be administered the MR-2 dose vaccine.