The Ministry of Health has announced a special measles vaccination programme to be conducted from 4 to 9 November.
This programme targets individuals who have previously not been vaccinated against measles or who have only received a single dose.
According to Senior Epidemiologist at the Epidemiology Unit of the Ministry Dr. Hasitha Tissera, the vaccination will take place in 12 selected districts across the island.
Despite Sri Lanka’s eradication of measles, health authorities report a potential resurgence of cases in some areas since last year (2023).
The measles vaccine is typically administered to infants at nine months of age, as the risk of contracting measles is particularly high before this age.
Additionally, health officials warn that those who have not received the vaccine or have only had one dose remain vulnerable to the disease.