Immunisation plays a crucial role in protecting children from life-threatening diseases. In the past two years, routine immunisation coverage in India has significantly improved, rising from 73% to an impressive 95%. This remarkable progress reflects the success of various government initiatives, enhanced healthcare infrastructure, and increased awareness among the population.
The achievement of such high coverage in a short span of time is a testament to the collaborative efforts of healthcare professionals, policymakers, and community workers. It is also a significant step towards achieving universal immunisation and preventing outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases.
Why Is Routine Immunisation Important?
Routine immunisation refers to the administration of vaccines to children at scheduled intervals to protect them against infectious diseases such as polio, measles, diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, and hepatitis. The primary benefits of routine immunisation include:
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Disease Prevention: Vaccines provide immunity against serious illnesses, reducing child mortality and long-term health complications.
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Herd Immunity: When a large portion of the population is immunised, it prevents the spread of diseases to those who cannot receive vaccines due to medical conditions.
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Economic Benefits: Prevention is more cost-effective than treatment. Immunisation reduces healthcare expenses by preventing costly hospitalisations and long-term treatments.
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Improved Quality of Life: By preventing childhood diseases, vaccines contribute to a healthier population and stronger communities.
With a rise in global health concerns, routine immunisation ensures that preventable diseases do not re-emerge as major public health threats.
Key Factors Behind the Rise in Immunisation Coverage
The increase in routine immunisation from 73% to 95% in just two years is the result of multiple factors, including government interventions, improved accessibility, and public awareness campaigns.
1. Intensified Government Initiatives
The Government of India has launched several programs to boost immunisation rates. Some key initiatives include:
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Mission Indradhanush: Introduced in 2014, this program aims to increase full immunisation coverage for children under two years of age and pregnant women. Under its intensified phase, more focus was given to high-risk areas where immunisation rates were low.
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Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP): One of the world’s largest immunisation programs, UIP provides free vaccines to all children across the country.
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Expanded Vaccine Coverage: The introduction of new vaccines, such as the rotavirus vaccine and pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, has helped improve child health and reduce mortality.
2. Improved Healthcare Infrastructure
Over the past two years, efforts have been made to improve healthcare infrastructure in rural and urban areas, making immunisation services more accessible. Key improvements include:
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Increase in Vaccination Centers: More primary healthcare centers (PHCs) and mobile vaccination units have been established, reaching remote and underserved populations.
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Digital Tracking Systems: Platforms such as the Electronic Vaccine Intelligence Network (eVIN) have helped track vaccine stocks and monitor immunisation coverage more efficiently.
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Strengthening Cold Chain Systems: Proper storage and transportation of vaccines have been improved to maintain their efficacy.
3. Community Engagement and Awareness Campaigns
Public awareness campaigns have played a crucial role in addressing vaccine hesitancy and encouraging participation in immunisation programs. Strategies include:
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Door-to-Door Campaigns: Community health workers actively visit households to educate parents about the importance of vaccines.
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Involvement of Influencers: Religious leaders, celebrities, and local influencers have been engaged to promote immunisation.
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Social Media and Digital Outreach: The government and NGOs have leveraged digital platforms to spread awareness, debunk myths, and provide real-time updates on immunisation schedules.
Impact of Increased Immunisation Coverage
The significant rise in routine immunisation coverage has had a profound impact on public health in India.
1. Reduction in Infant and Child Mortality
With more children receiving timely vaccinations, deaths caused by vaccine-preventable diseases have decreased. Conditions such as measles, diphtheria, and tetanus, which previously claimed many lives, are now under better control.
2. Decline in Disease Outbreaks
The rise in immunisation coverage has led to a decline in disease outbreaks. For instance, the near-eradication of polio in India is one of the biggest successes of the immunisation drive. Similarly, cases of diphtheria and pertussis have also dropped significantly.
3. Strengthened Maternal and Child Health
Routine immunisation is not just for children but also for pregnant women. Vaccines such as the tetanus toxoid vaccine have contributed to safer pregnancies and healthier newborns.
4. Economic and Social Benefits
With fewer disease outbreaks, there is less burden on the healthcare system. Families also save money by avoiding hospitalisation and treatment costs associated with preventable diseases. Additionally, a healthier population leads to increased productivity and economic growth.
Challenges in Achieving 100% Immunisation
Despite the impressive progress, achieving 100% immunisation coverage remains a challenge due to several barriers.
1. Vaccine Hesitancy
Some communities still resist vaccinations due to myths, misinformation, and religious beliefs. Addressing this requires continuous education and trust-building measures.
2. Accessibility Issues
Remote areas with difficult terrain still face challenges in vaccine delivery. Efforts to expand healthcare infrastructure and deploy mobile health units are necessary to reach these populations.
3. Supply Chain and Logistics
Maintaining a steady supply of vaccines and ensuring proper storage conditions are critical. Disruptions in the supply chain can hinder immunisation efforts, especially in rural areas.
4. Funding and Resource Allocation
Sustained funding is required to maintain immunisation programs. Governments and international organisations need to continue investing in vaccine procurement, distribution, and training healthcare workers.
The Road Ahead: Strengthening Immunisation Efforts
To sustain and further improve routine immunisation coverage, the following measures need to be taken:
1. Expanding Awareness Campaigns
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Increasing educational initiatives in schools, community centers, and public spaces.
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Using social media and digital platforms to reach younger audiences and counter misinformation.
2. Strengthening Healthcare Infrastructure
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Establishing more vaccination centers in rural and remote areas.
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Improving transportation and logistics to ensure timely vaccine delivery.
3. Enhancing Public-Private Partnerships
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Collaborating with private healthcare providers to expand immunisation services.
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Encouraging pharmaceutical companies to invest in vaccine research and production.
4. Leveraging Technology for Better Monitoring
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Using digital platforms for real-time tracking of immunisation coverage and vaccine inventory.
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Implementing AI-driven analytics to predict outbreaks and plan vaccination drives accordingly.
5. Policy and Legislative Support
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Implementing stricter policies to ensure mandatory vaccinations for children entering schools.
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Providing incentives and subsidies for families in economically weaker sections to encourage vaccination.
The increase in routine immunisation coverage from 73% to 95% in just two years is a significant public health milestone for India. This progress has been achieved through government initiatives, improved healthcare infrastructure, and enhanced awareness campaigns. However, challenges such as vaccine hesitancy, accessibility, and logistics still need to be addressed to reach 100% coverage.
Sustaining this momentum requires continued investment, strong policy support, and active community participation. By strengthening immunisation programs, India can ensure a healthier future for its children and move closer to achieving its public health goals.
