Punjab Minister for Primary and Secondary Healthcare Khawaja Imran Nazir has announced that the Big Catch-Up campaign has been launched across Punjab from today and now children up to the age of five will also receive vaccinations.
In a statement, he informed that a modified schedule has been prepared for older children.
He said that the catch-up activity will continue from October 1 to October 31, 2024.
He said that all children under the age of five will be vaccinated against twelve diseases.
He emphasized that due to increased demand an ample supply of vaccines has been arranged.
Khawaja Imran Nazir informed that typically, vaccinations are administered to children up to the age of two. However, due to the disruptions caused by COVID-19 lockdowns, millions of children missed out on vaccinations.
He revealed that between 2019 and 2022, 1 million children missed their vaccinations.
The Director General Health Punjab said that 5,244 vaccinators and 10,488 social mobilizers are participating in this campaign.
He informed that for more guidance, the Health Department’s helpline 1033 can be contacted.
