Measles-rubella vax drive starts at Noida, Greater Noida schools

By Admin

18 Feb, 2026

Campaign Launched in Gautam Budh Nagar

A special measles-rubella (MR) vaccination campaign began in Gautam Budh Nagar on February 16, covering schools in Noida and Greater Noida. The drive will continue until February 27 and is targeting students from Classes 1 to 5 in both government and private schools across the district.

Health officials have confirmed that vaccination sessions are being conducted directly within school premises to ensure maximum participation and easy access for children and parents.

Objective: Closing Immunity Gaps

According to district health authorities, the campaign is part of the state government’s broader effort to strengthen immunity against measles and rubella two highly contagious viral diseases that primarily affect children.

Chief Medical Officer of Gautam Budh Nagar, Dr Narendra Kumar, stated that the main goal is to ensure no eligible child is left out. Children will receive an additional dose of the MR vaccine during this campaign. Officials have emphasized that the vaccine is completely safe and is being administered free of cost.

Why Measles and Rubella Vaccination Is Important

Measles and rubella can lead to serious health complications if not prevented through timely vaccination.

Possible complications include:

• Pneumonia
  
  

• Severe diarrhoea
  
  

• Ear infections
  
  

• Encephalitis (brain inflammation)
  
  

• In extreme cases, death
  
  

Rubella infection may also cause arthritis. If contracted during pregnancy, it can result in congenital rubella syndrome in newborns, leading to birth defects and long-term health problems.

Public health experts highlight that vaccination remains the most effective method to prevent outbreaks and protect children from life-threatening complications.

School-Based Vaccination for Better Coverage

To ensure smooth implementation, district authorities have informed schools in advance about their vaccination schedules. Coordination has been established between the health department, education officials, and school management teams.

Administering vaccines within school premises helps:

• Reduce absenteeism
  
  

• Improve vaccine coverage
  
  

• Ensure convenience for parents
  
  

• Maintain proper monitoring protocols
  
  

Health teams have been deployed across the district to supervise vaccination sessions and ensure adherence to safety guidelines.

Parents’ Cooperation Is Key

Officials have urged parents to ensure that their children attend school on the scheduled vaccination day and do not miss the additional MR dose.

The Chief Medical Officer reiterated that parental cooperation is essential for the campaign’s success. The health department will closely monitor progress to ensure that the drive is completed within the stipulated timeline.

Strengthening Community Immunity

Public health experts note that periodic mass vaccination drives play a crucial role in preventing disease outbreaks, especially in densely populated urban regions like Noida and Greater Noida.

By strengthening community immunity, such campaigns not only protect individual children but also safeguard the larger population from potential epidemics.

The ongoing measles-rubella vaccination drive in Gautam Budh Nagar reflects a proactive step toward building a healthier and disease-free future for school children across the district.