The Directorate of Public Health (DPH) and Preventive Medicine is planning to conduct routine immunization for school children from November 5. To re-open schools for classes I to VIII on November 1, the directorate has recommended DPT (Diphtheria Pertussis and Tetanus) vaccination for children aged five to six years and TD (Tetanus and Adult Diphtheria) for 10-year-olds in schools. ) vaccination.
In a circular to the deputy directors of health services and the city medical officer of the Greater Chennai Corporation, the director of public health issued guidelines for conducting school vaccinations from November 5 to December 31. Routine vaccinations will be conducted on Thursdays and Fridays every week.
The central government has directed the states to conduct routine immunization for school children at the earliest, to prevent the spread of diphtheria among them. In Tamil Nadu, 204 cases of diphtheria were reported during 2019-2020, 15 during 2020-2021 and eight in 2021-2022. The reopening of schools was delayed due to COVID-19, and during the State Level Immunization Advisory Committee meeting it was decided to conduct a campaign for students using the services of all village health nurses/urban health nurses/Anganwadi workers. School teacher.
The directorate said that since schools for classes IX to XII are already functional, Td vaccination for 16-year-olds will be done in the school itself.
While jobs will be given through outreach sessions on Thursdays and Fridays every week, vaccination drives will be conducted for school children at all primary health centers from Monday to Saturday.
Parents should be informed about the campaign by VHN, Anganwadi workers and school teachers. Schools/ICDS centres/Health sub-centres can be chosen as the centers for the campaign. Before the campaign day, time slot should be allotted to each beneficiary and parents should be informed that only one parent/carer will be allowed inside the room with the child.
In addition to routine activities, additional efforts may be required in high-risk areas, the DPH said.
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