Measles Outbreak Sparks Urgent Nationwide MMR Immunization Program in Sri Lanka

The Ministry of Health’s Epidemiology Unit is launching a Measles catch-up immunization program this weekend to target children aged between 9 months and 15 years. The initiative aims to combat the decline in measles vaccination rates, which has been observed globally and regionally during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. This decline has resulted in a significant increase in measles cases on both a global and regional scale. Sri Lanka, in particular, is grappling with an imported measles outbreak since May 2023. The outbreak has predominantly affected vaccine refusal communities, with cases subsequently spreading to those who were partially vaccinated. To address this situation, a nationwide MMR Catch-up Immunization Program began on January 06, with a focus on children who missed their routine MMR vaccinations. Parents and caregivers are strongly urged to bring their eligible children to the nearest immunization clinic for catch-up vaccination. The program is part of a collective effort to prevent the further spread of measles in Sri Lanka. Additionally, the MMR Supplementary Immunization Activity (SIA) for children aged 6-9 months, which started on January 06, will continue on Saturdays until February 03 in specific health districts. This initiative is open to children born between April 07, 2023, and July 05, 2023, enabling them to receive an additional vaccination dose. The Ministry of Health is committed to ensuring the well-being of children and addressing public health concerns through these immunization programs.