Over 8.2m kids to get measles-rubella shots

Arrangements have been finalised for the administration of measles-rubella vaccinations to more than 822,000 children between the ages of six months and five years in Rawalpindi district, as part of the nationwide immunisation campaign scheduled from November 17 to 29.

A sustained awareness campaign for parents on the risks associated with measles and rubella is also in progress.

A media-sensitisation workshop, organised by UNICEF in collaboration with the District Health Authority, was held to underscore the crucial role of immunisation and vaccination in safeguarding public health.

The session was addressed by UNICEF representatives, Coordinator Aqeel Sarfraz, Dr Samra, Dr Khurram Mubeen, Dr Asif Shiraz, Chief Executive of the District Health Authority Dr Ehsan Ghani, and District Health Officer (Preventive) Dr Jawad.

Speakers highlighted the vital importance of vaccination against 12 infectious diseases, in addition to protection against a thirteenth - cervical cancer. They stressed that if mothers and their children adhere to the recommended vaccination schedule, they can develop strong immunity, ensuring comprehensive protection from these illnesses and increasing the body's ability to combat infection should it occur.