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.”