Production of immunization card mandatory during school admission in East Khasi Hills

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaNovember 5, 2023

The East Khasi Task Force on Immunization has made the production of Immunization Card mandatory during School Admission.

This is as per letter issued to the East Khasi Hills District School Education Officer ((DSEO) by the Deputy Commissioner Cum-Chairman District Task Force on Immunization East Khasi Hills, Shillong on 22 September, last.

The letter emphasized that immunization is one of the most successful public health interventions in modern times.

During 2022- 2023 about 91% of infants in Meghalaya received BCG, Hepatitis 8, OPV, PV, RVV, Pentavalent, MR vaccines protecting them against tuberculosis, viral Hepatitis B, Poliomyelitis, Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, Hemophilus, Rotavirus, Measles, Rubella infectious diseases that can cause seriousness and disability or be fatal.

These figures however hide significant disparity within the different areas of the State and within the district posing a threat of an outbreak in vulnerable children East Khasi Hills accounts for 88% of immunization as compared to other Districts with high immunization coverage.

Measles cases outbreak are still reparted this exposing any immunity gaps in the population Schools can be a breeding ground for the transmission of diseases due to close contact among students inmunization helps reduce the likelihood of disease transmission, especially for highly contagious diseases like measles or whooping cough.

Some students may be more susceptible to infections due to compromised immune systems or underlying health conditions, immunization helps protect these vulnerable individuals who may not be able to receive vaccinations themselves.

The immunization card helps schools verify that students have received the required vaccinations for their age and grade level.

It ensures that students are adequately protected against preventable diseases immunization cards provide a systematic way of tracking and monitoring the immunization status of students.

“This information helps public health authorities monitor disease arevalence within schools and control the spread of contagious diseases,” the letter said.

 Immunization cards help prevent disease outbreaks within the school community by confirming that students have received essential vaccinations, decreasing the likelihood of outbreaks therefore, protecting the health of both students and staff.

By mandating immunizations, schools aim to create a safer and healthier learning environment for all students, contributing to better student attendance and academic performance

The Deputy Commissioner urged the DSEO to issue instruction to all schools to ensure that immunization card are produced and submitted during school admission.

 Teachers to be vigilant in case of children suffering from fu, fever, sneezing, watery of eve, mild cough & nose, rash and diarrhea and report accordingly to the concerned health authority.