Status of Immunization and Need for Intensification of Routine Immunization in India.
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Date
2012-05
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Abstract
Vaccines have made a major contribution to public health but vaccines-preventable diseases (VPDs) are still responsible for significant
deaths of under-five children. Despite Global efforts, the coverage in two WHO regions namely Africa and South-East Asia (SEA) still
remain short of set targets for 2010. As a result, the SEA Regional Director has declared 2012 as the Year for Intensifying Routine
Immunization (RI) in the Region.
The recent immunization coverage surveys in India have shown gradual albeit a slow progress in the performance of RI in India over
last few years but in some states the coverage is still quite low. Several new initiatives like introduction of Hepatitis B vaccine, second
dose of Measles vaccine and pentavalent vaccine (two states), JE vaccine rounds, framing of the National Vaccine Policy, etc. are
welcome steps. The challenges and barriers to achieve high immunization rates in the country are well recognized. Almost nonexistence
of an effective VPD surveillance system in the country has further compounded the problem. The need is to address all the
barriers to achieve high RI rates, which should include induction of innovative methods, proper monitoring of the program, improving
operational efficiency and ‘reaching every community’, and integrated delivery of health interventions along with immunization. The
development of an efficient VPDs surveillance, adverse event following immunization (AEFI) monitoring and post-marketing
surveillance systems will go a long way in ensuring satisfactory performance of the health system. The decades old Expanded
Program of Immunization (EPI), which was adopted in India as universal Immunization Program (UIP) also needs a revamp with
inclusion of certain new vaccines. Decisions on implementing new and underutilized vaccines require scientific evidence and data, a
reliable supply of affordable vaccines, which are adapted to the country’s immunization schedule, and an integrated disease
monitoring and surveillance system.
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Keywords
Immunization coverage, Newer vaccines, India, Routine immunization
Citation
Vashishtha Vipin M. Status of Immunization and Need for Intensification of Routine Immunization in India. Indian Pediatrics. 2012 May; 49(5): 357-361.