Introduction
- Nationwide catch-up and elimination drive under Universal Immunization Programme (UIP), Ministry of Health & Family Welfare
- First launched in phased manner from 2017; integrated into routine UIP as MR vaccine replacing measles vaccine
- Current phase: National Zero Measles-Rubella Elimination Campaign 2025-26 launched on 24 April 2025 by Union Health Minister
- Goal: Achieve measles and rubella elimination by 2026 (incidence <1 case per million population) through >95% coverage with two doses of MR vaccine
Objectives
- Provide a second opportunity (catch-up dose) to all children who missed routine MR vaccine
- Rapidly increase population immunity to interrupt transmission of measles and rubella viruses
- Reduce morbidity, mortality and congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) burden
- Strengthen routine immunization through micro-planning and community mobilisation
- Generate evidence for certification of elimination
Target Population
- All children aged 9 months to 15 years (in earlier phases) / 9 months to 14 years (2025-26 campaign)
- Priority: Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated children, migrant/slum populations, hard-to-reach areas
- Pregnant women excluded (live vaccine)
Vaccine & Schedule
- MR vaccine (live attenuated): 0.5 ml subcutaneous
- Routine schedule (UIP):
- MR-1: 9–12 months
- MR-2: 16–24 months
- Campaign dose: Single supplementary dose irrespective of previous vaccination status
- Auto-disable (AD) syringes used; cold-chain maintained (2–8°C)
- Safe injection practices and biomedical waste management mandatory
Implementation Strategy
- Phased approach: Conducted state-wise/region-wise over 4–6 weeks per phase
- Micro-planning: House-to-house enumeration, school-based sessions, outreach in Anganwadis/slums
- Fixed + outreach + mobile sessions by ANM/ASHA/AWW
- Convergence with Mission Indradhanush (IMI), RBSK, RKSK, SAANS, POSHAN Abhiyaan and ABDM (ABHA linkage for digital tracking)
- Massive IEC/BCC: “MR Vaccine – Ek Dose, Do Bachao” campaign, rallies, school health programmes
- Real-time monitoring through U-WIN portal, CoWIN linkage and ABDM
Key Activities (2025-26 Campaign)
- House-to-house vaccination drive with focus on zero-dose and drop-out children
- Special sessions in schools, Anganwadis, migrant colonies
- Pulse oximetry and vitamin-A linkage where required
- Post-campaign coverage evaluation surveys (PCE)
- Surveillance strengthening: Integrated measles-rubella surveillance through IDSP
Monitoring & Evaluation
- Daily reporting on U-WIN/ABDM platform
- District Task Force on Immunization (DTFI) reviews
- Independent monitoring by WHO-NPSP and UNICEF
- Coverage targets: >95% in every district/block
Recent Developments & Achievements (2026)
- National Zero Measles-Rubella Elimination Campaign 2025-26 completed in majority states by March 2026
- Current national coverage: MR-1 ~93.7%, MR-2 ~92.2% (NFHS-5 & U-WIN data)
-
35 crore children vaccinated across all phases since 2017
- Significant decline in measles outbreaks; CRS surveillance strengthened
- India on track for WHO verification of elimination by end-2026
Pediatrician’s Role
- Ensure every child receives two doses during routine visits/RBSK screening
- Counsel parents on safety, mild adverse events (fever/rash) and importance of both doses
- Report suspected measles/rubella cases immediately to IDSP
- Integrate with DEIC for developmental follow-up of CRS cases
- Promote ABHA-linked digital vaccination records for lifelong tracking