Special Measles-Rubella (MR) Immunization Week and Follow-up Activities: Protecting Communities Across Sri Lanka

In a vital step toward disease prevention, the Epidemiology Unit of the Ministry of Health has announced a Special Measles-Rubella (MR) Immunization Week, which will run from the 4th to the 9th of November, 2024. This effort is set to take place across 206 Medical Officer of Health (MOH) areas in twelve key districts, including Colombo (alongside the Colombo Municipal Council), Gampaha, Kalutara (inclusive of the National Institute of Health Sciences), Galle, Matara, Puttalam, Kurunegala, Kandy, Ampara, Batticaloa, Jaffna, and Kalmunai.

Key Focus Groups for Immunization

The campaign specifically targets young adults aged 20 to 30, born between 1994 and 2004, aiming to close immunization gaps within this age range. Additionally, individuals aged 15 to 19 who have missed routine doses of measles-containing vaccines (MCV) are included, as well as children aged 9 months to 14 years who have missed their MCV doses.

Immunization Activities During the Week

The Special MR Immunization Week will feature multiple activities to maximize vaccine reach and coverage, including:

House-to-House Visits: On the 4th, 5th, and 6th of November, healthcare teams will conduct house-to-house visits in high-priority areas, directly reaching individuals in need of vaccination.
Visits to Workplaces and Higher Educational Institutions: For two days, on the 7th and 8th of November, the vaccination teams will extend their efforts to occupational and educational settings to ensure that students and young professionals can easily access the MR vaccine.
Immunization Day and Additional Clinics: The 9th of November will be marked as Immunization Day, with central clinics and field immunization locations open across all 206 MOH areas in the targeted districts. For those unable to attend on this date, additional clinics will be held on four consecutive Saturdays—November 16th, 23rd, 30th, and December 7th—to ensure comprehensive coverage.

Vaccine Availability and Access

Eligible individuals and children can receive either the MR or the Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) vaccine at the designated clinics throughout the week. These efforts aim to boost immunity across the population, reduce the risk of outbreaks, and provide accessible healthcare to various age groups.