Greater Noida, Feb. 18 -- A special measles-rubella (MR) vaccination campaign began in Gautam Budh Nagar on February 16, health officials said on Tuesday. The drive will continue until February 27 and aims to cover students from Classes 1 to 5 across government and private schools in the district. Health department officials said vaccination sessions are being conducted within school premises under the campaign to ensure wider coverage and ease of access for both students and parents. The initiative is part of the state government's ongoing efforts to strengthen immunity against measles and rubella, which are highly contagious viral diseases, primarily affecting children. Left unchecked, measles and rubella, can lead to serious complications in kids such as pneumonia, diarrhoea, ear infections, encephalitis (brain inflammation) and, in severe cases, death. Chief medical officer of Gautam Budh Nagar, Dr Narendra Kumar, said the campaign focuses on closing immunity gaps among children. "The objective is to ensure that no eligible child is left out. Children will be administered an additional dose of the MR vaccine during the campaign. The vaccine is safe and is being provided for free of cost," he said. District health authorities said schools have been informed in advance about their vaccination dates. Officials said that cooperation from parents is crucial for the campaign's success, as administering vaccines within school premises helps minimise absenteeism. "Parents have been urged to ensure their children are present in school on the scheduled vaccination day and do not miss the dose," the CMO said....