MALAPPURAM: In an exemplary move in a district infamous for its anti-vaccination sentiments, nearly a thousand adults in two wards of Malappuram municipality have volunteered for taking Td vaccine to prevent diphtheria on Sunday. The special vaccination drive initiated by the municipal councillors of Kavungal and Munnampadi was meant for the adults who are out of the purview of the ongoing immunisation drive in the district, which is meant only for the children below 16 and the immediate contacts of the infected.
The vaccination camp conducted at the MSP LP School in Malappuram from 9 AM to 1 PM has witnessed onslaught of the residents from the two wards. A total number of 904 adults were administered the Td vaccine which was collected from various sources including private outlets and donations. "The camp was a successful endeavor and it can be replicated in other places as well. We have seen many, especially women from the Muslim community throng in large numbers to get vaccinated. This imparts a strong message to entire public," says K.V. Shashi Kumar, the councillor of Kavungal.
The special drive was initiated by Shashi Kumar and K.P Parvathikutty councillor of Moonnampadi with help from health department and resident associations. The vaccination camp was a follow-up of an awareness campaign for the entire population of the two wards. Dr. A Shibulal, Deputy District Medical Officer had conducted a class two weeks ago as part of the drive.
After that specially assigned teams of volunteers conducted a door-to-door campaign and survey in these areas to get a clear picture. “The survey has found that almost 90 per cent of the adults were unimmunised. So we have decided to provide free vaccination for them,” says Shashikumar. The camp was led by two doctors and 12 nurses from the Malappuram Taluk Hospital in Kottappadi.
