Pune: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has intensified its Japanese Encephalitis (JE) vaccination drive, administering over 2.25 lakh doses to children aged 1 to 15 years within a month. The free vaccination campaign, launched on March 1, aims to immunize over 10 lakh children across the city.
Japanese Encephalitis, a serious mosquito-borne disease, can lead to severe neurological damage and even death. To combat this, PMC has set up vaccination sessions in schools, Anganwadi centers, and community hubs. However, examinations and school holidays have slowed the vaccination rate, prompting renewed efforts to reach more children.
Widespread Vaccination Efforts Across the City
The PMC has organized 6,692 vaccination sessions through 15 regional offices, deploying 522 vaccinators, 365 ASHA workers, 1,092 Anganwadi workers, and 848 teachers. The program is a collaborative effort to ensure maximum coverage among Pune's children.
More Girls Vaccinated Than Boys
Contrary to usual trends where boys outnumber girls in vaccination drives, this campaign has seen a higher number of girls getting immunized. So far, 2,26,387 children have received the JE vaccine, including 1,05,955 girls and 1,20,965 boys.
Parents Urged to Support the Vaccination Drive
PMC has urged parents to actively participate in the immunization program by ensuring their children receive the vaccine. "We request parents to bring their children for vaccination and take advantage of this free immunization drive. For more details, they can contact their nearest school, Anganwadi center, or the PMC Health Department," said Dr. Rajesh Dighe, Assistant Health Officer, PMC.
Current Vaccination Status:
Target: 10,43,420 children
Vaccines Received: 6,79,000 doses
Doses Administered: 2,26,387
Remaining Vaccines: 4,49,000 doses
Syringes Received: 8,00,000
Syringes Used: 2,33,000
Remaining Syringes: 5,66,000