Nagaland, a northeastern state in India, has taken significant strides in its commitment to eliminate Measles Rubella (MR) by December 2023, aligning itself with the national agenda. The primary objective is to achieve and sustain MR elimination by completely eradicating endemic cases of Measles and Rubella, and achieving a target vaccination coverage of 95%.
To ensure comprehensive coverage, the state conducted a comprehensive analysis of MR vaccination rates and identified areas with suboptimal coverage. In line with this, MR elimination drives were executed in two phases, during April-May and August-September, respectively, with a mop-up vaccination schedule planned for November 20 to 30.
The recommended MR vaccination protocol involves administering a two-dose vaccine – MR1 at nine months and MR2 between 16-24 months. However, if a child misses either dose, they can still receive the vaccine until the age of five. The focus of the MR Elimination Drive is on children aged nine months to five years, targeting the MR1 dose and those who missed the MR2 dose.
Although the state reports an impressive 96% coverage for MR1 and 92% for MR2, there exist inter-district variations that emphasize the need to achieve over 95% coverage in all districts. To bridge this gap, the state has prioritized addressing left-outs and drop-outs through Intensified Mission Indradhanush rounds and regular Routine Immunization. The reasons identified for incomplete immunization are the fear of side effects and lack of awareness.
Community involvement is considered crucial for generating awareness and demand for vaccinations. Therefore, advocacy efforts are underway to emphasize the importance of timely vaccination, along with the reminder that MR vaccines are available free of cost at all government health facilities.
The state of Nagaland actively collaborates with allied departments, Faith-Based Organizations, Civil Society Organizations, Village Council Chairpersons, and various community groups to ensure that all children under the age of five receive their MR vaccine during the upcoming Mop-up round in Government Health Units.
FAQ
What is the goal of Nagaland in terms of MR elimination?
Nagaland aims to achieve Measles Rubella elimination by December 2023, with zero transmission of endemic MR cases and a target vaccination coverage of 95%.
How has Nagaland approached MR elimination?
Nagaland has conducted a comprehensive analysis of MR vaccination coverage and executed MR elimination drives in two phases. They have also planned mop-up vaccination rounds to ensure comprehensive coverage.
What age group is the focus of the MR Elimination Drive in Nagaland?
The MR Elimination Drive in Nagaland primarily focuses on children aged nine months to five years, targeting the MR1 dose and those who missed the MR2 dose.
What is being done to address incomplete immunization in Nagaland?
To address incomplete immunization, Nagaland has conducted Intensified Mission Indradhanush rounds and regular Routine Immunization. Fear of side effects and lack of awareness are recognized as reasons for incomplete immunization.
How is community involvement being encouraged in Nagaland?
Nagaland advocates for community involvement by emphasizing the importance of timely vaccination and notifying that MR vaccines are available free of cost at all government health facilities.
Who does Nagaland collaborate with to ensure comprehensive MR vaccination coverage?
Nagaland collaborates with allied departments, Faith-Based Organizations, Civil Society Organizations, Village Council Chairpersons, and various community groups to ensure that all children under the age of five receive their MR vaccine.