Tamil Nadu Seeks Inclusion of Mumps Vaccine in Universal Immunization Programme
Tamil Nadu Pushes for Mumps Vaccine Inclusion in National Immunization Programme
Chennai, Tamil Nadu – With mumps cases steadily rising in the state, Tamil Nadu health officials are urging the Indian government to add the mumps vaccine to the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP).
The Directorate of Public Health and Preventive Medicine recently sent a letter to the Union Health Ministry, requesting the inclusion of the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine in routine immunizations. This move comes after a surge in mumps cases across various districts in Tamil Nadu, with reports surfacing as early as February this year.
Currently, the UIP in Tamil Nadu provides 11 vaccines to children and pregnant women, protecting against 12 vaccine-preventable diseases. While the Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccine was incorporated into the UIP in 2017, the mumps component remains absent.
“We see around 150 to 200 cases of mumps reported each month across the state,” said Dr. T.S. Selvavinayagam, Director of Public Health. “While the numbers may not seem important considering our population,the high infectivity rate means it can easily spread and form clusters.”
Data reveals that nearly 40% of mumps cases occur in children aged six to nine, followed by those under five years old (33%).Notably, over half of the reported cases involve women.
Dr. selvavinayagam emphasized the potential complications associated with mumps,notably in adults. “While mumps is usually self-limiting in children, it can lead to orchitis in adults, which may result in infertility,” he explained. “Given the growing evidence of complications due to a shift in the affected age group, including mumps in the UIP is advisable.”
However, he acknowledged the complexities involved in such a decision. “this is a major policy decision requiring pan-India implementation and significant expenditure on vaccine production,” he said.
Medical professionals echo the call for mumps vaccine inclusion in the UIP. “The MMR vaccine is available privately, but making it accessible through the UIP is crucial,” said one doctor.”Mumps can cause serious complications like orchitis and encephalitis, highlighting the need for widespread protection.”
Mumps Vaccine: Tamil Nadu Makes a Plea for National Inclusion
“We see around 150 to 200 cases of mumps reported each month across the state,” reveals Dr. T.S. Selvavinayagam, Director of Public Health in tamil Nadu. Despite this number appearing relatively small considering the stateS population, the highly infectious nature of the disease raises alarms.
Dr. Selvavinayagam stresses the importance of including the mumps vaccine in India’s Global Immunization Program (UIP) due to the potential for outbreaks and severe complications, especially in adults.
“while mumps is usually self-limiting in children,it can lead to orchitis in adults,which may result in infertility,” explains Dr. Selvavinayagam.
Alarmingly, data reveals that nearly 40% of mumps cases occur in children aged six to nine, followed by those under five years old (33%). Notably, over half of the reported cases involve women.
The push for national inclusion comes as Tamil Nadu health officials send a formal letter to the Union Health Ministry, requesting the addition of the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine to routine immunizations.
Currently, the UIP in Tamil Nadu provides 11 vaccines to children and pregnant women, protecting against 12 vaccine-preventable diseases. While the Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccine was incorporated into the UIP in 2017, the mumps component remains absent.
“This is a major policy decision requiring pan-India implementation and significant expenditure on vaccine production,” Dr. Selvavinayagam acknowledges the challenge while emphasizing the urgency for widespread protection against the potentially debilitating effects of mumps.
Medical professionals echo the call for mumps vaccine inclusion in the UIP. “The MMR vaccine is available privately, but making it accessible through the UIP is crucial,” says a leading doctor. “Mumps can cause serious complications like orchitis and encephalitis, highlighting the need for widespread protection.”