ICMR plans second dose of measles vaccine

More than two decades after it was introduced in the National Immunisation Programme,the single dose measles vaccine is likely to be replaced with a double dose jab.

More than two decades after it was introduced in the National Immunisation Programme,the single dose measles vaccine is likely to be replaced with a double dose jab. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR),which is mulling over the issue in consultation with 15-20 experts from across the country,is of the view that there should be a second opportunity. While,the first dose is given at nine months of age,the experts say the second dose should be introduced at 18 months of age along with the DPT booster dose.

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. According to the WHO,India is largely accountable for the lack of progress in the drop in number of deaths worldwide.

So far,amongst all the developing countries,India is the only one to use single dose measles vaccine. The maternal antibodies disappear by six-nine months,which is why the first dose is given at nine months. However,data suggests that there are many who miss this opportunity and to help them fight this deadly disease another dose should be introduced. In fact,the western world converted it into double dose long back, said an expert.

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Experts say that as per the data available,the coverage of measles vaccine in India is only 30-40 per cent. If it is made double dose,the coverage will also improve, added an expert.

A comprehensive exercise is going on before a formal announcement is made later during the month. We are consulting all published literature before coming to any conclusion. Even as the discussions are on,experts opine for the double jab, said Dr V M Katoch,DG,ICMR.

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