Guwahati, 26th August: The Gauhati Medical College Hospital (GMCH) has launched a crucial vaccination drive for Yellow Fever at its Dhirenpara First Referral Unit (FRU) annex hospital in Guwahati. The drive will be operational on all working days during the Outpatient Department (OPD) hours, from 8 am to 2 pm, as confirmed by an official notification issued by the GMCH Superintendent.
The hospital emphasized that individuals interested in receiving the Yellow Fever vaccine do not need to register beforehand. Furthermore, the vaccination certificate will be promptly provided upon vaccination.
Highlighting the initiative, officials from the Dhirenpara FRU of GMCH expressed that they have procured the vaccine at approved rates and have made it available to the public.
While Yellow Fever has not been reported in Asia, including the northeast region, experts note that there is concern about its potential introduction due to the presence of the Aedes Aegypti mosquito, the primary vector for the virus. This mosquito species is already present in Asia.
Yellow fever, a viral disease transmitted through mosquito bites, has witnessed an increase in cases over the past few decades. Factors such as decreasing immunity to infection, deforestation, urbanization, population movements, and climate change have contributed to this rise, according to medical professionals.