Children cry during shots but measles vaccines bring relief to parents

"I've been afraid of measles for the past few days. I feel good about getting (my children) vaccinated today. The fear has diminished," said Mahfuza, a parent

Parents are waiting in long queues, carrying their infants and toddlers.

Some are telling their children that vaccinations will not hurt, while others promise to buy them toys in exchange for getting vaccinated.

A couple was seen trying to pacify a child who was crying after receiving the vaccine. The child was in tears, but the parents looked relieved.

Such was the scene at Radda MCPH Vaccination Centre at Mirpur-12 under the jurisdiction of Dhaka North City Corporation.

Authorities said the measles and rubella vaccination programme kicked off at the centre on Sunday and will continue until Apr 29.

The programme is running daily from 9am to 3pm.

A parent, Mahfuza Akhtar, who came to the vaccination centre, said she has three children -- one is seven months old, another is two years old, and the third is over six years old.

She brought two of them for vaccination.

"I've been afraid of measles for the past few days. I feel good about getting (my children) vaccinated today. The fear has diminished," she said.

Nine-month-old Mahir was brought to get vaccinated by his sister Maliha. She said, “My younger brother has no health issues. However, we were scared because of the way measles is spreading in the country. After hearing about the vaccination, we all came today without any delay.”

Dr Nazneen, in-charge of Radda MCPH Centre, said: “We started the vaccination programme in the morning. Parents of the area are spontaneously bringing their children.”

"As many as 330 children were vaccinated yesterday. Many have been coming since this morning. We will be able to tell you the number of children vaccinated today at 3pm. This centre has enough vaccines."

Slum Dwellers Relieved After Getting Vaccine

Nearly a thousand families live in the Teker Bari slum in Mirpur-12. A measles-rubella vaccination programme was held in this slum on Sunday. The residents expressed relief at receiving the vaccine.

A woman called Selina Akhter said, “My granddaughter is 4 years old. She is healthy, has no problems. But after hearing about measles, I got her vaccinated too.”

Another resident, Yasmin Begum, said her granddaughter is less than two years old.

“As of now, she has not had any illnesses yet. I have also vaccinated her so that nothing happens.”

However, locals said children of some of the parents who were busy on Sunday had not received the vaccination.