Tripura government is all set to launch mass scale Measles and Rubella (MR) immunization program across the state from September 15 for a month to vaccinated more than 10 lakh children age group between 9 months and 15 years.

Addressing media here today UNICEF officials here today said that MR vaccine would be provided free of cost in the schools, social institutions and other facilitation centres across the state as per the mission to eliminate measles and control rubella disease by 2020 in India.

While measles is an acute viral infection spread via respiratory secretions and aerosols and complications and mortality is highest among the children age of less than two years and adult, Rubella is a mild, self limiting viral illness and India has been suffering from the diseases.

Traditionally, immunization programs in the State remained successful; however the Health Department is taking extra care to reach the entire targeted beneficiaries, said health minister Sudip Roy Barman. He urged, “Ensure that your child gets the MR vaccine at the right time and make Tripura Measles-Rubella free state. The Health Department has made elaborated arrangements to make the drive successful”.