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CHENNAI — In a significant move to combat the spread of Japanese Encephalitis (JE), Tamil Nadu’s Health Minister Ma Subramanian has launched an expanded vaccination campaign across seven more districts, including Chennai. This ambitious programme aims to protect approximately 27 lakh children between the ages of 1 and 15 years from this mosquito-borne disease.
The vaccination initiative will unfold in three distinct phases, focusing on government and government-aided schools, anganwadi centres, as well as orphanages and juvenile reform schools. The campaign officially began at the Girls’ Higher Secondary School in Shenoy Nagar, Chennai. High-risk areas that will benefit from this drive include the newly added districts of Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, Tirunelveli, Tenkasi, Nagapattinam, and Vellore, along with all 13 zones of Chennai.
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School-based camps: Running from August 13 to September 12, these camps will cover children aged 5–15 years in schools.
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Anganwadi centres: From September 13 to October 12, the focus will shift to children aged 1–5 years.
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Orphanages and juvenile reform schools: From October 13 to November 12, all children aged 1–15 years will be covered.
Each phase includes a week dedicated to ensuring that children who missed their scheduled vaccination are not left out.
Health officials have stressed that this campaign is essential due to the high morbidity and mortality associated with JE, especially in endemic districts. The expansion reflects the Tamil Nadu government’s commitment to proactive public health interventions.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only. For specific medical advice, please consult healthcare professionals.
Reference: Japanese Encephalitis vaccination expanded to seven more districts for 27 lakh kids in Tamil Nadu.
