India needs to now focus on the research, development, and manufacture of vaccines as well

Myths and misconceptions about vaccination should also be eliminated

Vaccines are free at government set ups

New Delhi, January 5, 2019: Vaccines are estimated to avert 2 to 3 million deaths annually from diseases such as pneumonia, diarrhea, measles, and diphtheria. They are universally recognized as among the most cost-effective public health interventions. Vaccines also provide benefits to countries far beyond better health outcomes, such as increasing economic growth and development.

India has played an increasingly important role in the global immunization landscape. We have been able to reach several significant immunization-related landmarks – namely elimination of polio (in 2014) and maternal and neonatal tetanus (in 2015). However, efforts beyond this are now needed to focus on the research, development, and manufacture of vaccines.

Speaking about this, Padma Shri Awardee, Dr KK Aggarwal, President, HCFI, said, “Immunization is necessary for one and all. Often, people assume that it is not necessary because their children appear healthy or do not fall sick often. In other cases, health workers may not be able to reach out to some families due to non-availability of members at a certain point. There is a need to create awareness on the importance of immunization particularly for children and expectant mothers. Doing so will help us play a role in the larger good of the nation and achieve the government’s target also in a timely manner. Apart from this, there is also a need to scale up manpower, supplies, budget, and other resources to speed up the process.”

Mission Indradhanush, depicting seven colours of the rainbow, targets to immunize all children against seven vaccine preventable diseases namely Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus, Childhood Tuberculosis, Polio, Hepatitis B and Measles. In addition to this, vaccines for JE (Japanese Encephalitis) and Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type B) are also being provided in selected states. Apart from this, there are also vaccinations for adults.

Adding further, Dr Aggarwal, who is also the Group Editor-in-Chief of IJCP, said, “If the coverage is not sustainable year on year, it will ultimately lead to fatigue. If the mission is intensified, the efforts ahead also need to be at par. There is still reluctance, opposition, and slow acceptance of vaccination apart from other operational challenges. The challenges faced in delivering lifesaving vaccines need to be addressed from the existing knowledge and lessons must be learnt from past experiences.”

The Vaccination Schedule under the UIP is as follows.

• BCG (Bacillus Calmette Guerin) 1 dose at Birth (upto 1 year if not given earlier).
• DPT (Diphtheria, Pertussis and Tetanus Toxoid) 5 doses; Three primary doses at 6weeks,10weeks and 14 weeks and two booster doses at 16-24 months and 5 Years of age.
• OPV (Oral Polio Vaccine) 5 doses; 0 dose at birth, three primary doses at 6,10 and 14 weeks and one booster dose at 16-24 months of age.
• Hepatitis B vaccine 4 doses; 0 dose within 24 hours of birth and three doses at 6, 10 and 14 weeks of age.
• Measles 2 doses; first dose at 9-12 months and second dose at 16-24months of age.
• TT (Tetanus Toxoid) 2 doses at 10 years and 16 years of age
• TT – for pregnant woman two doses or one dose if previously vaccinated within 3 Year
•      In addition, Japanese Encephalitis (JE vaccine) vaccine was introduced in 112 endemic districts in campaign mode in phased manner from 2006-10 and has now been incorporated under the Routine Immunisation Programme.