In Gujarat, a significant health initiative has been launched to protect children from various diseases. The state health minister, Hrishikesh Patel, started the triple vaccination campaign in Unjha, Mehsana district. This campaign aims to vaccinate pregnant women and children against serious diseases, including diphtheria and tetanus.
The health department of Gujarat has reported a notable decrease in cases of diphtheria and tetanus over the last three years due to previous vaccination campaigns. The new initiative will administer Td and DPT vaccines. These vaccines protect against eleven deadly diseases such as polio, tuberculosis, pneumonia, and more.
The campaign involves around 992 RBSK teams. They will vaccinate an estimated 18,201,104 children across 47,439 schools. Health teams will conduct vaccination sessions in schools to ensure that children receive the necessary protection. Additionally, 610,279 children in around 390,445 anganwadis will receive the second dose of the DPT booster.
This vaccination effort also aims to include children who may have missed previous doses. The support of the education department is crucial to the success of this campaign. The Td and DPT vaccines are completely safe and have been administered since 1985 under the universal vaccination programme.
In the last three years, there have been no reported side effects from the vaccination campaigns in schools. However, in the rare case that side effects do occur, each vaccination centre and public hospital will have an AEFI kit available for immediate treatment. This ensures that any potential side effects can be managed swiftly and effectively.
The success of this campaign will help safeguard the health of children in Gujarat against diseases such as diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough. The government is committed to protecting the health of its citizens, especially the younger population. Through this campaign, Gujarat aims to achieve successful vaccination coverage for all children.
In conclusion, the statewide triple vaccination campaign represents a significant step forward in public health in Gujarat. The collaboration between the health and education departments will play a vital role in reaching children and ensuring they receive the vaccinations they need. This initiative not only protects individual health but also contributes to the overall well-being of society, preventing outbreaks of preventable diseases.
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