NMMC starts MMR vaccination to stop deformity among newborn babies

Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) kicked off the MMR vaccination programme during the seventh annual cultural function KilBil 2014 of Education and Training and Service Centre (ETC) in Vashi on Friday in the presence of Mayor Sagar Naik and MP Sanjeev Naik. The MMR vaccine protects children against three different diseases (measles, mumps, and rubella) through one shot which is made up of three separate vaccines.

The ETC centre, which is pioneer in upbringing children having different any forms of disabilities, will visit schools across Navi Mumbai municipal jurisdiction and vaccinate all the girls studying in standard VII and VIII.

Varsha Bhagat, director of ETC says, "Timely immunisation before pregnancy against rubella can save the newborn child from congenital deformities such as blindness, deafness, retarded mental growth and heart problems." The MMR vaccine protects against different diseases namely measles, mumps, and rubella. "Since, rubella is included in MMR vaccination, the children will be protected from other two measles and mumps also. In addition, the MMR vaccination can be given to children also.

Rubella, also known as German measles, is a mild disease that affects an expectant mother and can have very harmful effects on the unborn child. Rubella vaccine is recommended for per-pregnancy. But the MMR vaccination can be given to children and it has similar benefits like in rubella.

According to Bhagat, the ETC will concentrate among girl children who have achieved their puberty. "Girl children who are likely to become mother in the next few years or have any family planning, should be given rubella which is available in MMR vaccination," said Bhagat.

There is risk associated if children are not vaccinated with MMR. "Measles causes over a million deaths in children around the world, mainly in countries without widespread vaccinations. A decline in the number of children who are vaccinated could cause an increase in the number of measles, mumps, and rubella cases and sickness (such as pneumonia and brain damage)," said a city based paediatrics doctor.

Sagar Naik praised the work carried out the ETC centre and wished a successful campaign of MMR vaccination. The ECT team and civic doctors will start the vaccination campaign from March 5 and it will continue till March 20. However, the vaccination programme will continue whole year. The ETC centre also felicitated a few spacial children for their achievement on the occasion.