In a significant move to protect children’s health, Gujarat’s Health Minister, Rishikesh Patel, launched a statewide vaccination campaign for Td (Tetanus and Diphtheria) and DPT (Diphtheria, Pertussis, and Tetanus) from Unjha in Mehsana district. This campaign aims to immunise children in grades 5 and 10 across all government and private schools in the state.
The Gujarat government’s health department is focusing on protecting pregnant women and children from 11 deadly diseases, including serious types of TB, polio, diphtheria, whooping cough, and other infections like pneumonia and meningitis. Vaccination is a powerful tool to prevent these diseases, which can often have severe consequences for health.
Since 2019, as part of a universal vaccination program, the government has introduced the Td vaccine for adolescents aged 10 to 16 years. Last year, the state successfully vaccinated over 23 lakh adolescents in schools and communities. The Td vaccination campaign is scheduled every June and July, ensuring that new students also receive their vaccinations promptly.
In addition to the Td vaccination, the DPT booster dose will be provided to children who have completed five years of age. This is critical in providing immunity against three diseases. Over the past three years, the Td campaign has successfully reduced the cases of diphtheria and tetanus in the state.
The campaign will involve around 992 RBSK teams, aiming to vaccinate approximately 18,20,104 children from 47,439 schools. Health teams will conduct Td sessions across schools, ensuring that all eligible children receive their vaccinations. Furthermore, an estimated 3,90,045 children from around 6,10,279 anganwadis (child care centres) will also receive the DPT booster.
To ensure that no child is left out, the campaign will include catch-up sessions for those who missed their vaccinations. The education department has played a vital role in facilitating this initiative, highlighting the importance of collaboration in public health efforts.
It is crucial to note that Td and DPT vaccines are completely safe and have been provided under the universal vaccination programme since 1985. Over the past three years, there have been no reported adverse effects in schools during the Td campaigns. However, in the unlikely event of any side effects, each vaccination centre and government hospital is equipped with an AEFI kit to provide immediate treatment.
This vaccination campaign is a significant step towards ensuring that all children in Gujarat are protected from tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough. The government is committed to the health and safety of its younger population, aiming for a healthier future for all.
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