All children aged 6 to 59 months will be brought under a nationwide measles vaccination campaign, Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md. Sakhawat Hossain said Saturday.
Children currently infected with measles will not be vaccinated during this phase.
The minister made the announcement at a press briefing at the ministry.
He said children who have previously received the measles vaccine will also be included in the campaign, adding that receiving an additional dose poses no health risk. Children who are ill with measles or fever, as well as those hospitalized, will be given vitamin A instead.
The vaccination drive is set to begin Sunday in 30 upazilas identified as high-risk areas.
“This program will not be limited to these 30 upazilas,” the minister said. “Our target is to ensure vaccination of all children aged 6 to 59 months across the country.”
He said many of the targeted children were born after the nationwide measles campaign conducted in December 2020 and may not have been vaccinated.
The initial phase of the campaign will cover selected upazilas in Rajshahi, Dhaka, Munshiganj, Jhalokati, Mymensingh, Chandpur, Barisal, Pabna, Naogaon, Gazipur, Netrokona, Shariatpur, Barguna, Madaripur, Cox’s Bazar, Chapainawabganj, Natore and Jessore.
Health authorities expect to expand the program nationwide in phases.
