Japanese Encephalitis vaccine campaign launched in Haryana

Chandigarh, Apr 15 (UNI) Haryana Health Minister, Kartar Devi today launched a fortnight-long drive to administer vaccine against Japanese Encephalitis (JE) to children between the age group of one and 15 years at Government Primary School, Khanpur Kolia in Kurukshetra district and Government Senior Secondary Girls School in Karnal.

While speaking on the occasion, Mrs Kartar Devi sought the cooperation of the people for the successful implementation of this campaign which would conclude on April 30 in these two districts.

She said in case any child is left out in an area during the day of campaign, either the concerned Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA) worker or the Medical Officer should be contacted to get the child vaccinated.

She pointed out that 6016 children were affected by JE in the year 2005 in the country and out of which 1500 had died. It was on the request of the Haryana Government that the Central Government imported the vaccine to protect children from JE, she added.

During the campaign the SA 14-14-2 Japanese Encephalitis vaccine would be administered through booth based activity, with fixed booths in schools and sub-centres. Each booth would be maintained by a team of five including an Autiliary Nurse Midwife (ANM), Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA), two Anganwadi Workers and a supervisor (medical officer).

Financial Commissioner and Principal Secretary, Health, Mrs Urvashi Ghulati said that the districts of Kaithal and Ambala would be covered under the second phase of the campaign.

UNI