Statewide Vaccine Drive in December to Guard Children Against Tetanus and Diphtheria

A special vaccination drive will take place across the State from December 3 to 5 to protect children from diphtheria and tetanus.

The Vaccination Plan

The Department of Health, Medical and Family Welfare announced that the TD vaccine will be given to children who have completed 10 and 16 years of age. The drive will cover both government and private schools as well as intermediate colleges. Children turning 10 will receive the TD-10 vaccine, while those turning 16 will get the TD-16 vaccine. The health department aims to cover more than 95% of children in this target age group.

Preparation and Duties

Auxiliary Nurse Midwives must prepare lists of eligible students in their areas and identify children who do not attend school. They also need to arrange required vaccine doses and medical supplies. Health and Family Welfare Commissioner and National Health Mission Director K.V.N. Chakradhar Babu instructed district officers to coordinate with the Women and Child Welfare, Education, Minority Welfare, Panchayat Raj, and Municipal Administration departments. Officials must also inspect centres to check for adequate medical supplies and anaphylaxis kits. Once vaccinated, children will receive digital certificates, and their data will be uploaded to online health portals.

Context

While infants receive Pentavalent vaccines under standard immunisation schedules, booster doses during adolescence provide necessary ongoing immunity. Bacterial infections like tetanus and diphtheria remain dangerous if left unmanaged, making school-based health drives a common public health measure.