Kelantan Surpasses 20,000 Children In Measles-Rubella Immunisation Drive

KOTA BHARU, Aug 21 (Bernama) -- More than 20,000 children in Kelantan aged between six and 59 months have received vaccination shots under the Measles and Rubella Supplementary Immunisation Activity (MRSIA).  

Kelantan Health Department director Datuk Dr Zaini Hussin said the initiative by the Ministry of Health (MOH), which began on Aug 4, aims to boost herd immunity and reduce the risk of measles and rubella outbreaks.  

He said that as of Aug 17, the 14th day of the MRSIA implementation, Kelantan had successfully immunised 21,334 children, which represents 23.32 per cent of the overall target of 91,500 children.  

“So far, six districts in Kelantan have achieved coverage of over 25 per cent, namely Jeli (43.6 per cent), Tanah Merah (34.5 per cent), Machang (28.1 per cent), Bachok (26.9 per cent), Kuala Krai (25.4 per cent) and Pasir Puteh (25.2 per cent).  

“Of the total vaccine recipients, 97.5 per cent were citizens while 2.5 per cent were non-citizens,” he said in a statement today.  

Expounding further, Dr Zaini said the achievement reflects the dedicated efforts of healthcare workers together with government agencies, schools, and local communities to ensure children are protected from measles and rubella.  

“I would also like to urge all parents and guardians with children aged six to 59 months to bring them to receive this supplementary immunisation.  

“Parents may obtain the free vaccinations at MOH health clinics, Malaysian Armed Forces facilities and through outreach teams.  

“Community cooperation is crucial to achieve the 95 per cent coverage target by October this year, thereby strengthening herd immunity and protecting children from measles and rubella,” he said.

-- BERNAMA