Not many takers, govt taps schools on tetanus and diphtheria vaccine
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Last year, the department had a total target of 24,192 vaccinations, including 15,389 students aged 10 years in Class 5 and 8,803 students aged 16 years in Class 10. However, only 32% of the 16-year-old target has been achieved so far.
While younger students showed better participation, the department reported low turnout among older students.
"Vaccination is a safe and effective way to protect yourself and your community.
We urge all Class 10 students to get vaccinated at the earliest," said Dr Ubaid, district immunization officer of GB Nagar.
The TD vaccine helps prevent tetanus, a severe bacterial disease that enters the body through wounds and causes painful muscle stiffness, and diphtheria, a potentially deadly infection that forms a white membrane in the throat and may lead to heart failure or paralysis.
Given intramuscularly in the left upper arm, the vaccine is part of the
universal immunization programme
and is used in over 130 countries.
Side effects are usually minor, like temporary pain or swelling at the injection site.
The department is working with schools to educate students and parents. Teachers have been asked to share class lists, discuss the vaccine in assemblies and PTMs. Schools must also submit lists of students who missed the vaccine.
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