India is testing a nasal measles vaccine.

February 3, 2007

Publication: Times Of India Mumbai; Date:2007 Feb 03; Section:Times Nation; Page Number 15 It’s war against measles India Is Testing Nasal Drop Vaccine, Results Within A Year Kounteya Sinha | TNN [What we should be clearly spelt out is; 1. Is the eradication of measles a good thing? 2. Is measles really so dangerous? 3. What about doctors reports that measles is an exercise in

strengthening the immune system? 4. Measles affects 1 in 10,000. The measles virus in the vaccine can cause autism which is 1 in 500 in India. Which risk deserves greater attention? 5. Do the vaccine makers know that the nose is a direct route to the brain? 6. Is it a live virus vaccine? 7. If not, will it have mercury? 8. What are the risks associated with this vaccine? 9. What are the vaccine ingredients? 10Will the children be compensated in case of adverse event? - Jagannath] New Delhi: India has launched a massive offensive against measles and has decided to carry out measles immunisation campaigns using its existing infrastructure for polio eradication. Surveillance for measles has started in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh and will be followed in Kerala, Gujarat and West Bengal. India is also preparing a measles registry which will record how many children actually get measles, their age group and how many of them were vaccinated and how many were not. The Indian Council of Medical Research is testing a nasal drop measles vaccine and is expected to know its efficacy within a year’s time. ‘‘India believes in

one-time vaccination against measles. However, if we change the policy to twotime vaccination for improved protection, specially because a lot of children above five are getting infected, we will use this nasal drop, being developed by ICMR and WHO. A second time vaccination using an injectable vaccine is logistically difficult,’’ an official said. Measles deaths have fallen by 60% worldwide since 1999. The leading vaccine-preventable killer of children under the age of five claimed 345,000 lives in 2005 compared to 873,000 in 1999. This exceeds the United Nations’ goal to halve measles deaths between 2000 and 2005. Experts say the goal has been surpassed primarily due to the achievements recorded in Africa, which registered a 75% decline. Cases also fell by 27% in the south-east Asia region. Officials said the decline was possible due to the one-dose vaccine for children below the age of one, a second round of vaccination, effective surveillance and enhanced care. "When we were kids our parents taught us not to lie. But today our Health Minister is trying to punish those who dare to speak the truth. God help that unfortunate fellow. It seems he

has not received any education at home." - An Indian Monk.

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