Karachi: Sindh’s immunization authorities have warned that strict action will be taken against parents who refuse to vaccinate their children under the Sindh Immunization and Epidemics Control Act 2023, amid rising concerns over the steady increase in vaccine refusal driven by rumours, social media misinformation and weak public communication.
Officials say the law allows health authorities to take legal steps against refusal, including issuing notices, conducting hearings and taking punitive action if a child is left unprotected from preventable diseases.
The warning came as the Government of Sindh launched the Measles and Rubella Vaccination Campaign, where Sindh Minister for Health and Population Welfare Dr Azra Fazal Pechuho administered a vaccine to a child to formally begin the drive.
The ceremony was attended by MPA Sharmila Faruqi, the Health Secretary, EPI Director Dr Raj Kumar and representatives of UNICEF. Dr Pechuho also visited a local school as part of the inauguration activities.
Addressing the event, EPI Director Dr Raj Kumar said over 8 million children across Sindh will be vaccinated during the campaign. Children aged 6 to 59 months will receive the Measles and Rubella vaccine.
He said daily performance reviews will be conducted in all districts and added that any case of parental refusal must be immediately addressed under the Sindh Immunization and Epidemics Control Act.
The law empowers health authorities to intervene when a child is denied essential vaccines and allows penalties against deliberate refusal.
Dr Raj Kumar said special teams have been deployed at EPI centres and stressed that EPI Sindh is committed to reaching every eligible child.
Speaking at the ceremony, Health Minister Dr Azra Fazal Pechuho urged parents to ensure their children receive all routine vaccines, including those for measles, rubella and polio.
She advised the public not to fall for rumours on social media and said some people create confusion for cheap publicity at the cost of public health.
The minister thanked partners, media representatives and students from special schools and said extensive preparations have been made to make the campaign successful.
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