Health Minister: Unvaccinated Children to Get Measles Shots

The government’s priority in tackling measles is expanding vaccination coverage, Health Minister Sardar Md. Sakhawat Hossain Bakul said on Wednesday.

“We are giving measles vaccines. There is no effective protection other than vaccination. We will identify children who have not received the vaccine and ensure they are vaccinated,” he said.

The minister made the remarks at a meeting held at the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare conference room at the Secretariat on May 13.

Sakhawat Hossain said the government has started awareness campaigns, including miking in areas with low vaccination coverage.

“We will contact families in areas where vaccinations have not been completed and arrange vaccination services for them,” he said. “Antibodies take time to develop after vaccination, so patience is necessary.”

He also warned against misinformation surrounding the measles situation.

“A lot of incorrect information is being published in newspapers,” the minister said.

The Health Minister said the government is continuing treatment and emergency support efforts alongside vaccination activities.

“There is no shortage in our response to measles. ICU facilities are available, and doctors are working hard. We are trying our best and seek cooperation from everyone,” he said.

Responding to a question about a possible investigation into the vaccine situation, the minister said the government has not ruled out an inquiry.

“The crisis is ongoing. A central decision will be taken after the situation stabilizes,” he said. “Our focus right now is vaccination and treatment. If we shift attention elsewhere during the crisis, the situation could worsen.”

Speaking about dengue, Sakhawat Bakul said prevention remains the most effective measure as there is no widely available vaccine for public use in Bangladesh.

“Everyone’s cooperation is needed to prevent dengue. Cleanliness must be maintained,” he said.

He added that the government has arranged mobile hospital support for dengue patients to reduce pressure on healthcare facilities.

At the meeting, the Sinovac Foundation of China donated 380,000 doses of polio vaccine to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Officials from the Chinese Embassy and representatives of Sinovac Biotech Limited attended the event.