Half of population at risk immunised against diphtheria

Thiruvananthapuram: Health Minister K. K. Shylaja told the Assembly on Tuesday that half of 2.38 lakh people at risk of contracting diphtheria in three districts of the State had been vaccinated against the diseases.

Though there was initially a shortage of vaccine, sufficient supply has since been ensured, the Minister said in response to a notice for moving an adjournment motion given by M. Ummer (Muslim League).

Ms. Shylaja said that the two companies producing vaccines against diphtheria were not producing large quantities of vaccine in normal times. This had now been stepped up and 4.5 lakh doses were being made available. Half of this quantity had already been supplied.

She said that that the disease had been reported from eight development blocks (31 cases) in Malappuram district.  Eight cases had been reported from Kozhikode district also. Seven persons aged between 15 and 37 years had also contracted the disease besides children. One case of an adult contracting the disease had been reported from Pinarayi in Kannur district.

The government took the matter seriously and a special immunisation programme covering children aged between 10 and 16 years of age were being covered.  About 400 nurses from the Manjeri Medical College had been pressed into service to create awareness among the public to the need for vaccination. Religious leaders including Panakkad Shihab Thangal and Aboobacker Musaliar had extended support for the vaccination programme.

In view of the explanation given by the Minister, Speaker P. Sreeramakrishnan declined permission to Mr. Ummer to move the motion.

Earlier Mr. Ummer said the spread of the diseases raised concern and fear. Even adults were contracting the disease, and even those who had been immunised against diphtheria were getting the disease. There was shortage of vaccines and future requirements should be assessed and action taken to get enough supplies.

Opposition Leader Ramesh Chennitha said that widespread campaign advocating immunisation was called for as there was propaganda against vaccination. There were complaints about shortage of vaccines.  If new vaccines are being introduced, it should be ensured that they have the approvals of WHO and regulatory agencies.