Tamil Nadu has submitted a memorandum to Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda requesting the inclusion of the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine in the Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP) to replace the current MR vaccine.
State health data reported 1,726 mumps cases between January 1 and May 20, 2024, with children aged 0-6 years showing an attack rate nine times higher than older individuals.
While the Indian Academy of Paediatrics recommends MMR doses at nine months, 15 months, and 4-6 years, the current UIP schedule lacks a mumps component, leaving a gap in the state's prevention strategy.