Alappuzha: An MLA of the ruling LDF in Kerala, A M Ariff, has openly spoken against the Measles-Rubella (MR) Vaccination, stating that he supported the campaign after getting a stern order from the government.

"There was lot of pressure to support the initiative. My children were not given vaccinations," he said during a seminar of Homeopathic doctors Sunday.

"People who are against the vaccination are made to look like anti-nationals. There is no need to be scared, we should be able to justify our arguments,” he added.

The MR vaccination drive is envisaged to protect children from two major childhood diseases - measles and rubella through the single vaccine.

The vaccination drive by the Kerala state government had faced resistance from certain quarters. Malappuram and Kasaragod were among the district where an anti-vaccination campaign by some groups was reported.

A junior health nurse was attacked at a primary school in Malappuram district by some persons in November.

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