0
0
Mehsana, June 26 — Gujarat Health Minister Rushikesh Patel inaugurated a large-scale Td (Tetanus and Diphtheria) and DPT (Triple Antigen) immunisation campaign on Thursday from Unjha in Mehsana district. The campaign is set to cover more than 24 lakh children and adolescents across the state, aiming to shield them from life-threatening diseases such as tetanus, diphtheria, whooping cough, polio, and pneumonia.
The initiative, a part of India’s Universal Immunisation Programme, mobilises 992 Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK) teams to conduct vaccination sessions in 47,439 schools, targeting approximately 18.2 lakh students. Additionally, around 6.1 lakh children in about 39,045 Anganwadis will receive the second dose of the DPT booster, following the national immunisation schedule.
Since 2019, Td vaccines have been included in the national programme for adolescents aged 10 and 16. Last year, Gujarat vaccinated over 23 lakh adolescents, both in and out of school, under this initiative. The state now organises Td vaccination drives every June and July, coinciding with the reopening of schools, due to the campaign’s ongoing success.
This year’s drive will see students in Standards 5 and 10 in both government and private schools receiving the Td vaccine, while children aged 5 will get the second DPT booster dose. Health officials say this will provide continued protection against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis.
“The campaign aims to protect children and adolescents from life-threatening diseases such as tetanus, diphtheria, whooping cough, polio, pneumonia, and others,” said Health Minister Rushikesh Patel at the launch event.
Disclaimer
This article is based on information available as of June 26, 2025, and is intended for informational purposes only. For the latest updates or personal medical advice, please consult official government releases or a healthcare professional.
