Panvel: In a major public health initiative, the Panvel Municipal Corporation (PMC) has announced a Japanese Encephalitis (JE) vaccination drive for children aged 1 to 15 years, starting from March 1, 2025. The vaccine will be administered free of cost at Anganwadis, government, semi-government, and private schools, as well as at designated sites in out-of-school areas across Panvel.
To coordinate and plan the drive, a City Task Force meeting was held at the Municipal Headquarters under the guidance of Commissioner Mangesh Chitale.
Why is Vaccination Crucial?
Japanese Encephalitis is a serious mosquito-borne viral disease that affects the brain. Cases have been reported in the Raigad district, making vaccination a critical step in disease prevention. Experts warn that 30% of infected individuals may succumb to the disease, while 40% could suffer from lifelong disabilities. Since no specific cure exists, vaccination is the most effective preventive measure.
Public Awareness and Vaccination Schedule
To ensure maximum participation, PMC will conduct public awareness campaigns through various media platforms. The official launch of the vaccination drive will take place on March 1 at Loknete D.B. Patil School.
Municipal health officials have urged parents to get their children vaccinated at the designated centers to safeguard them from this life-threatening disease. “The JE vaccine is completely safe, and we appeal to all parents to ensure their children’s participation in this crucial initiative,” said Dr. Anand Gosavi, Chief Medical Officer of PMC.
