288,000 Children to Receive Measles-Rubella Vaccine

Bhola A total of 288,922 children will be vaccinated under a special measles-rubella (MR) campaign in Bhola district. The program targets children aged six months to 59 months across all seven upazilas.

Civil Surgeon Dr. Md. Monirul Islam shared the information at a press conference held at his office on Monday (April 20). Earlier in the day, Deputy Commissioner Dr. Shamim Rahman inaugurated the campaign at Bhola 250-bed General Hospital.

Health officials said the government launched the campaign in response to a recent rise in measles cases. The 11-day program will run from April 20 at 1,690 centres, including 10 permanent sites.

A total of 238 vaccination workers and 3,290 volunteers will support the campaign. Vaccination will be conducted at the community level for eight days and in educational institutions for three days.

Officials said all eligible children can receive a single dose of the MR vaccine, regardless of previous vaccination status. However, children who are currently ill or who have received the MR vaccine within the last 28 days should wait. They can be vaccinated once they recover or complete the 28-day interval.

The press conference was attended by hospital superintendent Dr. Taibur Rahman, Bhola Press Club President Nazrul Haque Anu, General Secretary Nasir Uddin Liton, and local journalists.