Mangaluru: The central government’s mass drive against measles and rubella (MR) launched on Tuesday, witnessed an overwhelming response in Dakshina Kannada district.

On the inaugural day on Tuesday, 55,383 students (81%) were administered the vaccine as against the target of 68,500 school students in different age groups up to 15 years, said RCHO Dr Ashok.

As many as 11,447 children were covered against 13,603 in Mangaluru city,
This was followed by 11,107 against 15,207 in Mangaluru taluk, 9,766 against 11,183 in Puttur, 9,428 against 12,699 in Bantwal, 7,575 against 9,021 at Belthangady and 6,060 against 6,787 in Sullia taluk.

Ashok exuded confidence that the overall target of 95% against close to five lakh students will be achieved in the coming days with the drive being held up to March 1.

Zilla Panchayat president Meenakshi Shanthigodu launched the drive at St Theresa’s School, Bendoor here. School authorities had made elaborate arrangements with dedicated rooms to ensure that the drive is conducted smoothly. Students of LKG ‘A’, ‘B’ and ‘C’ sections were vaccinated at LKG ‘A’ section room, followed by UKG ‘A’,’B’ and ‘C’ sections at LKG ‘B’, from I ABC to II ABC at LKG ‘C’, III ABC to IV ABC at UKG ‘A’, V ABC to VI ABC at UKG ‘B’ and VII ABC to IX ABC at UKG ‘C’ section.

The children, accompanied by their parents, were seen standing in serpentine queues in front of the respective rooms to avail of the benefit.