PCMC to Launch Free Japanese Encephalitis Vaccination Drive for Children from March 1
Pune: To curb the spread of Japanese Encephalitis (JE), a serious viral infection affecting children, the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) is set to launch a free vaccination campaign from March 1. The drive will primarily target school-going children aged 1 to 15 years and will be conducted at schools and community centers across the city.
A review meeting was recently held to finalize the campaign details, attended by Dr. Laxman Gophane (Medical Health Officer), Dr. Abhayachandra Dadewar (Additional Medical Health Officer), Vijaykumar Thorat (Assistant Commissioner of Education), and Sangeeta Bangar (Administrative Officer), along with other medical and education department representatives.
Japanese Encephalitis is a serious viral infection that primarily affects children under 15. It can lead to severe neurological complications and has a high mortality rate. Even among those who recover, 30-40% may suffer from lifelong neurological disabilities. To combat this risk, PCMC is urging parents and teachers to actively participate in the vaccination program to ensure every eligible child is vaccinated.
Key Instructions to Schools and Community Centers
Conduct awareness meetings for parents to educate them on the importance of JE vaccination.
Provide student data to health officials for efficient vaccine distribution.
Allocate designated spaces for vaccination sessions within school premises.
Ensure 100% vaccination coverage among eligible students.
Vaccination Campaign Overview
Launch Date: March 1, 2025
Eligibility: Children aged 1 to 15 years
Location: Schools and community centers across Pimpri-Chinchwad
Cost: Completely free under the National Immunization Program
Vaccine Safety: The JE vaccine is scientifically proven to be safe and effective
"The JE vaccination campaign is a crucial initiative. Parents and teachers must actively participate to ensure that every child is vaccinated. It is essential for the entire community to support this mission and safeguard the health of the next generation."
– Shekhar Singh, Commissioner & Administrator, Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation
