Though there is no specific vaccination programme being carried out in schools, parents and students became apprehensive following a rumour that the vaccine will make both males and females infertile. The panic is being noticed in schools in minority-dominated areas in the interiors or ‘Chars’ (sandbars created by rivers). “No vaccination drive is being carried out in schools in Barpeta. Routine JE vaccination is going on in health centres. But still, schools in Kalgasia, Mandiya and Chenga saw students missing,” said Dr Subrata Sarma, joint director (health services) in Barpeta.

Source: Hindustan Times May 16, 2017 04:18 UTC