Pune, Raigad, Parbhani districts: Japanese encephalitis drive to begin today for children

Over 500 vaccinators, 365 Accredited social health activists and 1,092 anganwadi sevika workers will be involved in the drive that has been planned across primary and secondary schools, anganwadi centres and others, Dr Rajesh Dighe, assistant medical officer of Health, Pune Municipal Corporation, said.

“The JE vaccination drive is a crucial public health initiative. We urge parents and schools to actively participate and ensure that every child receives this life-saving vaccine. The collective effort of the community will help secure a healthier future for our next generation,” said Shekhar Singh, PCMC Commissioner.

“The JE vaccine is a safe and effective preventive measure against a severe illness. We encourage all parents to get their children vaccinated and contribute to a healthier community,” Dr Laxman Gophane, medical officer of health, PCMC, added.

At Pimpri Chinchwad, the health department on February 24, conducted a preparatory meeting, emphasising the crucial role of schools and parents in the success of this initiative. Officials stressed the importance of educating students about JE vaccination, organising awareness sessions for parents, and ensuring smooth execution of vaccination sessions in schools.

JE is a flavivirus related to dengue, yellow fever and West Nile viruses and is spread by mosquitoes. Safe and effective vaccines are now available to prevent the disease and the World Health Organisation recommends that JE vaccination be integrated into national immunisation schedules.

JE mostly affects children and as part of the phase-wise drive, in Pune city, more than 10 lakh children will be vaccinated against JE. The campaign will be implemented across Pimpri Chinchwad starting March 1. Children aged 1 to 15 years will receive free JE vaccinations at schools and community centres.