Mokokchung District prepares for nationwide IMI 5.0 campaign; Urges vaccination for children and pregnant women

Mokokchung, 3 August (MTNews): The District Task Force on Immunization, Mokokchung has informed that the first round of the Intensified Mission Indradhanush (IMI) 5.0 campaign is planned from 7 to 12 August 2023 as per Government of India directive. This nationwide initiative aims to target unvaccinated children up to 5 years old and pregnant women who have missed due doses, the Task Force stated in a press note received here from the Chief Medical Officer, Mokokchung.

According to the press release, the greater challenge in the District is to achieve Full Immunization Coverage (FIC) due to floating population especially in Tzürangkong and Longnak areas and, therefore, it said, special focus need to be given on those areas and that every effort should be made in order to vaccinate all children in the targeted population.

The statement also pointed out that another key challenge is vaccine refusal due to misinformation regarding vaccination. In this regard, it said that one must create awareness that vaccination is safe and how it protects the child from 12 childhood killer diseases known as vaccine preventable diseases.

Vaccination prevents the death of 3 million people worldwide every year. Explaining the science behind vaccination, the statement stated that vaccines expose the body to weakened or destroyed bacteria, viruses, or toxins that cause diseases. This exposure creates specialized soldiers in the body capable of fighting against the diseases, offering protection to the individual.

Addressing concerns about vaccine safety, the statement asserted that vaccines undergo extensive testing before approval for use. Most of the side effects following vaccination are mild, with the commonest being fever and pain at the injection site. Serious allergic reactions, though rare, are promptly managed by well-trained medical personnel at vaccination centers.

It also clarified that a child may receive up to 4 injections at the same time, and this does not result in a higher incidence of adverse events. In fact, administering multiple vaccines simultaneously ensures that the child is protected more quickly, especially during the vulnerable early months of their life.

To facilitate vaccination, the Government of India has introduced the UWIN app, which allows for self-registration and booking at the nearest immunization site. The app can be accessed via mobile phones through the link:

https://uwinselfregistration.mohfw.gov.in/login.

Alternately, individuals can visit the nearest immunization site for on-site registration and vaccination. For vaccination through the UWIN app, the Aadhar card and registration phone number are mandatory.

In conclusion, it emphasized that it is the responsibility of every responsible citizen to get their children vaccinated, ensuring protection against vaccine-preventable diseases. This measure not only safeguards the health and well-being of children but also secures a bright and promising future for them, it said.

The district authorities urged the community to support the IMI 5.0 campaign and actively participate in the vaccination drive to create a safer and healthier society for all.