With an aim of eliminating measles and control rubella/congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) by 2020, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare has initiated measles-rubella (MR) vaccination campaign in the age group of 9 months to less than 15 years in a phased manner across the nation.

The Measles-Rubella campaign is a part of global efforts to reduce illness and deaths due to measles and rubella/CRS in the country.

Under this campaign approximately 41 crore children will be vaccinated and is going to be the largest ever vaccination campaign worldwide. All children from 9 months to less than 15 years of age will be given a single shot of Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccination during the campaign. Following the campaign, MR vaccine will become a part of routine immunization and will replace measles vaccine, currently given at 9-12 months and 16-24 months of age of child.

The first phase of measles-rubella vaccination campaign has already been successfully completed in five states, namely, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Goa, Lakshadweep and Puducherry. More than 3.3 crore children were vaccinated, reaching out to 97% of the intended age group.

Minister of Health & Family Welfare along with other ministries, development partners, lions clubs, professional bodies like Indian Association of Paediatrics, Indian Medical Association, Civil Society Organisations etc. are involved for achieving the maximum coverage during campaign.