MMR Supplementary Immunization Activity (SIA)

Continued on next Saturdays (13^th, 20^th, 27^th January and 3^rd February) 

There has been a decrease in measles vaccination rates both globally and regionally during the recent COVID-19 pandemic. This has resulted in a significant increase in the incidence of measles cases on both a global and regional level. Adding to this global challenge, Sri Lanka is currently experiencing an imported Measles outbreak since May 2023. A considerable number of cases are reported to date predominantly among vaccine refusal communities and subsequently spreading to those who were partially vaccinated (between 9 months - 3 years) or not eligible for MMR vaccination through routine immunization programme (< 9 months of age).

As a response measure to this situation, the Ministry of Health has launched a Supplementary Immunization Activity (SIA) on 6^th January 2024, targeting vulnerable children (6 – 9 months of age) in selected high-risk districts.

For eligible children who missed the additional MMR dose during the initial campaign, supplementary doses can be administered on the following Saturdays at central clinics within their respective Medical Officer of Health areas.

·       Dates: January 13^th, 20^th, 27^th, and February 3^rd, 2024 (Saturdays)

·       Time: 9:00 am – 12:00 noon

·       Place: Central clinic of the MOH Office

·       Selected health districts for SIA activity: Colombo (including CMC area), Gampaha, Kalutara, Galle, Matara, Kandy, Jaffna, Kurunegala, Kalmunai

Target age group

·       All children in the age group of completed 6 months and up to 9 months of age by 6^th January 2024, irrespective of the past history of clinical measles.

·       Eligible children are those born between April 7th, 2023, and July 5th, 2023, inclusive of these two dates

Parents and caregivers are encouraged to take advantage of this additional opportunity to protect their infants from this preventable disease.

Concurrently with the SIA, a nationwide catch-up program will also be ongoing on the specified Saturdays at the central clinics of their respective Medical Officer of Health (MOH) offices. The purpose of this program is to administer MMR vaccines to children aged 9 months to 15 years who have missed their due routine MMR vaccinations. This initiative aims to ensure that children within the specified age range have the opportunity to receive any missed routine MMR vaccinations.

Parents and caregivers are encouraged to bring their eligible children to the central clinics during these designated times to facilitate the catch-up vaccination and contribute to the overall public health goal of preventing the spread of measles in Sri Lanka.