Kozhikode: The number of diphtheria cases in the district rose to four on Tuesday. All the affected persons are above 22 years of age and include a women doctor. Following the increase in the number of cases, a meeting of the Rapid Response Team of the health department held at Medical College hospital (MCH) on Tuesday decided to vaccinate all staff of the MCH—doctors, medical students, house surgeons, nurses, attendants and other employees.
Besides, the Td vaccination would be administered to the primary contacts of the affected cases in their residential areas. “As per this, a special drive would be carried out in Kundamangalam, Cheroopa, Karasserry and Thondayad areas. Awareness programmes and screening would be carried out in these areas and its vicinity with the support of the Indian Medical Association (IMA), Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP) and private physicians,” said District Medical Officer (DMO) Dr R.L Saritha. A made to vaccinate the non-immunized/partially immunized children.
“As many as 6,000 plus children under the age of 5 fall in the category of non-immunized/partially immunized in the district,” said Dr Sarala Nair, district RCH (reproductive and child health) officer. Areas including Vanimel, Valayam, Nadapuram, Kuttiady, Koduvally, Punoor, Cheruvady, Thiruvallur have a sizable number of children who did not take the vaccine because of the reluctance of the parents.
According to the DMO office, there is a shortage of Td vaccine in the district and they are awaiting supply. “For now, we are taking some dosages of the vaccine from Malappuram. After the receipt of the vaccine from the centre, the vaccination drive would be streamlined,” said an official at the DMO office. Td vaccine is available in the market for a meagerRs 13.
