Thiruvananthapuram: The new vaccination policy of Kerala recommended to administer flu vaccines for all above 65 years of age and those who have lower immunity in view of the high risk factor of lung infection and influenza. The policy put forward to jab two doses of pneumococcal vaccines also for the same groups. 

The seven member panel chaired by Dr B Eqbal suggested to dispense a card with the details of vaccinations. The vaccination policy was formulated as part of launching vaccine production in Life Science Park at Thonnakkal. 

Measures to be adopted within one and a half years

  • Mumps: Administer MMR vaccines instead of MR vaccines
  • Whooping cough: TD vaccines administered at the age of 10 years have to be replaced with Tdap vaccines which prevent tetanus, pertussis and diphtheria. 
  • Polio vaccines: Polio vaccines which prevent all three variety of polio viruses must be jabbed at 18th month as the virus is still prevalent in the neighbouring countries. 

Measures to be adopted within 3 years

  • Ensure hepatitis A vaccination at 12th months of age. 
  • Administer two doses of Japanese Encephalitis vaccine in 9th and 16th months in accordance with the National Vaccination Programme.

Measures to be adopted within 5 years

  • Include Varicella (chicken pox) and influenza vaccines in Universal Immunisation Programme. 
  • Human papillomavirus vaccine has to be considered if cervical cancer intensifies
  • Incorporate vaccines for those who went through organ transplantation surgery and stem cell surgery in the vaccine policy. 
  • Administer hepatitis A and enteric fever vaccines for cooks and all those who manage food in restaurants
  • Pre exposure anti rabies vaccines have to be given for all veterinary doctors and those who pet dogs.
  • Influenza vaccine to be administered for pregnant women to lower the possibilities H1N1 flu
  • TT, Tdap vaccines for infant to prevent diseases like whooping cough, and diphtheria
  • TD MMR vaccines have to be taken for youngsters to prevent diphtheria, measles, mumps and rubella.