Egypt launches national measles and rubella vaccination campaign

Egypt has launched a nationwide vaccination campaign against measles and rubella, scheduled to run for three weeks starting October 25, 2026. The initiative, organized by the Ministry of Health and Population, targets children aged 9 months to 10 years, including both Egyptian and non-Egyptian residents.

In Alexandria, officials aim to vaccinate over one million children using 685 medical teams. In Giza, the campaign targets approximately 1.9 million children through 1,320 specialized teams. Other provinces, including Ismailia and Minya, have also mobilized health units, schools, and mobile teams to ensure coverage in remote areas.

Schools have issued specific guidelines for parents, noting that children from KG1 to fourth grade are primary targets. Parents must report any medical contraindications—such as chronic diseases, immune deficiencies, or recent chemotherapy—to school administrations. The campaign seeks to maintain Egypt’s status of being free from measles since November 2022 by strengthening community immunity.