DHAKA, April 5, 2026 (BSS) - The government has launched a special vaccination programme in 30 upazilas of 18 districts as the measles outbreak intensifies.

Children aged 6 months to 59 months will receive the measles-rubella vaccine. They can get vaccinated in the ongoing campaign even if they have received it earlier.

The programme began in 30 upazilas of 18 districts at 9am today and will continue till 5pm.

Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Husain inaugurated the vaccination programme at the Nawabganj Upazila Health Complex in Dhaka district this morning.

Speaking on the occasion, he said the measles situation is currently under control and there is no reason for people to panic. He said the vaccination programme is being conducted in areas which were identified as 'hotspots' for measles outbreaks recently.

Upazilas and districts brought under the special programme are: Barguna Sadar and Municipality, Pabna Sadar and Municipality, Ishwardi, Atgharia and Bera; Chandpur Sadar and Municipality and Haimchar; Maheshkhali and Ramu in Cox's Bazar; Gazipur Sadar; Chapainawabganj Sadar and Municipality, Shibganj and Bholahat; Atpara in Netrakona; Mymensingh Sadar, Trishal, Tarakanda and Srinagar; Godagari in Rajshahi; Mehendiganj and Bakerganj in Barishal; Porsha in Naogaon; Jashore Sadar and Municipality; Natore Sadar; Munshiganj Sadar and Municipality and Louhajang; Madaripur Sadar and Municipality; Nawabganj in Dhaka; Nalchiti in Jhalokati; and Jajira Upazila in Shariatpur.

The minister said only healthy children will be vaccinated and no additional medicine will be given during the vaccination.

The health department advised that children who have fever or are currently sick should receive the vaccine after recovery.

However, children suffering from fever will be provided with vitamin 'A' capsules as part of supportive care.

"Vaccination will be given at designated centres every day from 9 am to 5 pm. In addition to the previous vaccination centres, this programme will be conducted at locally designated places, schools and community centres," Sakhawat Husain said.

He said although the programme will initially start in high-risk areas, it will gradually be expanded throughout the country. "It will be operational as part of the regular programme by July," he added.