Measles-Rubella (MR) Vaccination Campaign

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

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

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)

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

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

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

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

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