Kota bharu: More than 20,000 children in Kelantan aged between six and 59 months have received vaccination shots under the Measles and Rubella Supplementary Immunisation Activity (MRSIA). Kelantan Health Department director Datuk Dr Zaini Hussin said the initiative by the Ministry of Health (MOH), which began on Aug 4, aims to boost herd immunity and reduce the risk of measles and rubella outbreaks.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, as of Aug 17, the 14th day of the MRSIA implementation, Kelantan had successfully immunised 21,334 children, which represents 23.32 per cent of the overall target of 91,500 children. Dr Zaini highlighted that six districts in Kelantan have achieved coverage of over 25 per cent, with Jeli leading at 43.6 per cent, followed by Tanah Merah at 34.5 per cent, Machang at 28.1 per cent, Bachok at 26.9 per cent, Kuala Krai at 25.4 per cent, and Pasir Puteh at 25.2 per cent.

Of the total vaccine recipients, 97.5 per cent were citizens while 2.5 per cent were non-citizens. Dr Zaini emphasized the dedicated efforts of healthcare workers, government agencies, schools, and local communities in ensuring children are protected from measles and rubella.

He urged all parents and guardians with children aged six to 59 months to avail the supplementary immunisation. The free vaccinations are available at MOH health clinics, Malaysian Armed Forces facilities, and through outreach teams. Dr Zaini stressed that community cooperation is crucial to achieving the 95 per cent coverage target by October, thereby strengthening herd immunity and protecting children from measles and rubella.