Measles–Rubella vaccination drives boost immunization coverage in Andhra Pradesh, India

Between January and March 2025, seven measles outbreaks were reported in Andhra Pradesh-six in Alluri Sitarama Raju district and one in Vizianagaram district. Root cause analysis identified immunity gaps resulting from missed and dropout children, as well as weaknesses in routine immunization (RI) microplanning, particularly in urban, peri-urban, border, tribal, and other high-risk areas. These gaps increased the risk of ongoing measles transmission and highlighted the need for an urgent and targeted public health response. To prevent further outbreaks and sustain progress towards measles and rubella elimination, the Government of Andhra Pradesh planned a series of statewide Measles-Rubella (MR) Vaccination Special Drives, aligned with national immunization strategies and surveillance standards.

WHO-National Public Health Support Network teams conducting site monitoring during the Measles Rubella Vaccination Special Drives in Anakapalli District, Andhra Pradesh
Photo Credit: WHO/India/Revathi)

Three seven-day MR Vaccination Special Drives were implemented statewide between May and July 2025, targeting MR1 and MR2 left-outs, dropouts, and all eligible children. Special microplans were developed based on house-to-house surveys to effectively reach high-risk and hard-to-reach populations. Community awareness was strengthened through community meetings, information materials, and public announcements. District- and sub-district-level Task Force meetings enhanced intersectoral coordination and operational oversight. Medical Officers were oriented on the Revised Routine Immunization Manual to improve microplanning and service delivery quality. The WHO-National Public Health Support Network (NPHSN) provided technical assistance through capacity building, monitoring, and real-time feedback to support effective implementation.

WHO-National Public Health Support Network team members with participants at a District Task Force meeting in Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh
Photo Credit: WHO/India/Srinivasu

Across the three rounds, more than 66,800 immunization sessions were conducted through fixed and outreach sites. Over 22,000 children received the first dose of MR vaccine (MR1), and more than 18,700 children received the second dose (MR2). The special drives improved the identification and vaccination of previously missed children, strengthened RI microplanning, enhanced intersectoral coordination, and reinforced outbreak preparedness and surveillance response across the state.

Targeted MR vaccination drives, supported by robust microplanning, coordination, and monitoring, rapidly closed immunity gaps and strengthened routine immunization systems, enabling an effective public health response to measles outbreaks in Andhra Pradesh.