Mass vaccination programme

Imphal, Oct 23 (PTI) A mass vaccination programme would be launched from October 25 as a precautionary measure and to control any possible outbreak of Japanese encephalitis in five districts of Manipur, state family welfare department said today.

Sources in the department said four valley districts of Imphal east, Imphal west, Thoubal, Bishenpur and Chandel hill district would be covered by the programme.

Emphasis would be given to children between the age group of 1 to 15 years, sources said adding that about 5.72 lakh were expected to avail of the vaccination at 2053 vaccination centres.

Sources said several medical officers would be deployed at the vaccination centres and they would be assisted by nurses, teachers of local areas, aganwadi workers and others.

They said the disease could affect all ages but emphasis was being given on children because they were more vulnerable.

The programme was being launched by state family welfare department with the supervision from union health ministry.