Paediatricians seek reinstatement of Mumps Vaccine in Universal Immunisation Programme
Coimbatore: Paediatricians in Coimbatore have called on the Union government to reinstate the mumps vaccine in the Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP), alongside the existing measles and rubella (MR) vaccine. Their appeal comes in response to the rise in mumps cases, which indicates that the disease has not been fully eradicated.
The Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) is a free vaccination program in India that protects children and pregnant women from vaccine-preventable diseases. It's one of the world's largest public health programs.
Currently, Tamil Nadu’s UIP covers 11 vaccines protecting against 12 preventable diseases, including tuberculosis, diphtheria, pertussis, hepatitis B, Haemophilus influenza, tetanus, poliomyelitis, measles, rubella, rotavirus, and pneumococcal infections. However, the mumps vaccine was removed from the programme in 2020, despite its continued administration in private hospitals, reports Times of India.
Medical experts argue that mumps remains a public health concern, as cases continue to be reported in clinics and hospitals. They stress that reintroducing the vaccine under the UIP would provide comprehensive protection and help prevent outbreaks.
“We see cases of mumps among children every week. The viral infection primarily affects the salivary glands and spreads through droplet infection. Infected children typically experience fever, cold symptoms, and reddish eyes initially, followed by swelling in front of the ears. Mumps mainly affects school-going children aged between 3 and 12 years. However, if immunity against mumps is low, even adolescents and adults can contract the disease," a paediatric doctor told the Daily.
According to the Daily, the Tamil Nadu government has also urged the Union government to supply the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine as part of routine immunization. Doctors believe this step is crucial in ensuring broader immunity among children and preventing the spread of the disease. With rising concerns over mumps cases, paediatricians and health authorities continue to advocate for the vaccine’s reinstatement, emphasizing its role in safeguarding public health.
