Karwar: The district administration and Health & Family Welfare Department are all set to launch an ambitious vaccination drive in the district from February 7 to 28 to eliminate measles and rubella by the year.

The measles-rubella (MR) vaccination  drive is being taken up in five States, including Karnataka. The department has already made necessary preparations to make this drive a successful one.

Deputy Commissioner S S Nakul, conducted a preparatory meeting and guided the officers for efficient conduct of the drive. The DC said that the programme must be implemented within four weeks through schools and anganwadis as well as in outreach sites and all the children aged between 9 months and 15 years must be vaccinated irrespective of previous immunisation status.

District Health & Family Welfare Officer Ashok Kumar said that in Uttara Kannada, children studying in 2,033 schools and anganwadis will be covered for one week.

During the second and third weeks, the outreach activies will be taken up to ensure that all the leftout children are vaccinated. In all, there is targed to vaccinated 3,13,355 children in the district.

As many as 599 vaccine administering techicians will take part in the dirve. They will be supported by 3,988 Asha and Anganwadi workers and 262 supervisors.

Deputy Commissioner S S Nakul said that public awareness must be created about Measles and Rubella in children.

He asked volunteers and helpers to ensure that suitable place and facilities are provided for conducting vaccination camps in schools. After the vaccination, thumb impression of the child must be taken. Experts must also be ready to provide necessary treatment in case of any side effects in children.