Nagpur: The Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) ranked second in the state in achieving immunisation targets of under-18 population last year with its success attributed to healthy coverage of measles and rubella (MR) doses that ensured city children didn’t suffer much despite an outbreak in the rest of the state.
To achieve higher immunisation coverage and protect the young ones from all such future outbreaks, NMC health department led by additional commissioner Anchal Goyal launched an outreach programme to ensure vaccine dropouts complete their doses and high refusal areas accept jabs recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

As per the WHO immunisation chart, a newborn has to be immunised with BCG and Hepatitis B (0) within the first 24 hours. Later, the child must be periodically given 20 vaccines to develop immunity from life-threatening diseases such as diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, hepatitis B and contagious diseases like polio, diarrhea, measles among others.
On paper, the NMC’s routine immunisation programme shows over-achievement, but officials say many parents still resist giving jabs to their children. Dr Sarla Lad, mother and child reproductive health officer at NMC, said the over-achievement is mainly because many from rural areas take vaccine shots in the city while some children do not survive after birth. “Hence, the coverage achievement has scope for betterment,” she added.
Dr Lad said the health workers have faced stiff resistance from slum pockets and Muslim dominated areas while the elite class has given inconsistent feedback.
Zonal medical officer Dr Ateequr Raheman Khan has been entrusted with the task of building a rapport with the Muslim community and increasing vaccine reach.
Certain low-income group areas, dominated by Muslims, cited pain and irritability for the child as the reason for not taking vaccines, Dr Lad said. “After taking jabs following child delivery, they never turn up for next doses. The elite class claim they administered the doses in private hospitals, but have no record on the children’s doctor files,” she said.