Pinki BorahImmunization in India is one of the most important public health measures taken by the country. Vaccination helps protect children and adults from dangerous diseases, improves community health, and supports national development. From eradicating polio to launching the world’s largest COVID-19 vaccination drive, India has achieved many milestones.
What Does Immunization in India Mean?
Immunization in India refers to the use of vaccines to protect people, especially infants and children, from harmful diseases. It is provided free of cost by the government through public health programs like the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) and Mission Indradhanush.
Immunization helps build immunity—a shield in the body that prevents diseases such as:
- Polio
- Measles
- Diphtheria
- Hepatitis
- Tetanus
- Whooping Cough
- Tuberculosis
- Pneumonia
- COVID-19
Vaccination is a key tool to build a healthy and disease-free India.
The Science Behind Immunization in India
How Does Immunization Work?
Vaccines contain weakened or dead germs or parts of germs (like proteins). When introduced into the body, they do not cause illness but teach the immune system to recognize and fight the real disease in the future.
This means that if the person is later exposed to the actual virus or bacteria, their body will remember how to defeat it quickly and safely.
History of Immunization in India
The Early Years
India’s first national vaccination efforts began in the 19th century with smallpox vaccines. After independence, the country focused on controlling vaccine-preventable diseases like cholera and tuberculosis.
Launch of Universal Immunization Programme (UIP)
In 1985, the Government of India launched the Universal Immunization Programme, which remains the largest vaccination program in the world. It began with six vaccines and has since expanded to include many more.
Immunization in India and the Fight Against Polio
India was once a polio-endemic country. Through persistent efforts under UIP and mass campaigns, India was declared polio-free in 2014. This remains one of the biggest achievements of immunization in India.
Vaccines Under Immunization in India
Free Vaccines Provided Under UIP
| Disease | Vaccine | When Given |
|---|---|---|
| Tuberculosis | BCG | At birth |
| Polio | OPV, IPV | Birth, 6, 10, 14 weeks |
| Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus | DPT | 6, 10, 14 weeks |
| Hepatitis B | Hep B | Birth, 6, 10, 14 weeks |
| Haemophilus influenzae B | Hib | 6, 10, 14 weeks |
| Measles & Rubella | MR | 9–12 months & 16–24 months |
| Rotavirus | RVV | 6, 10, 14 weeks |
| Pneumococcal (Pneumonia) | PCV | 6, 14 weeks, 9 months |
| Japanese Encephalitis (JE) | JE | 9–12 months (in endemic areas) |
| Tetanus & Diphtheria | Td | Adolescents & pregnant women |
These vaccines are completely free of cost under public programs of immunization in India.
Government Programs Supporting Immunization in India
Mission Indradhanush
Launched in 2014, Mission Indradhanush aims to cover children and pregnant women who missed vaccines under UIP.
Objectives
- Reach full immunization coverage of 90%
- Conduct special drives in underserved districts
- Raise awareness and community participation
Intensified Mission Indradhanush (IMI)
Started in 2017, IMI works in mission mode to improve coverage in districts with poor health indicators.
Achievements
- Targeted high-risk populations
- Increased vaccination in tribal and hard-to-reach areas
- Trained thousands of ASHA and ANM workers
Importance of Immunization in India
Key Benefits of Immunization in India
- Protects life by preventing deadly diseases
- Reduces healthcare costs for families and the nation
- Increases school attendance and performance in children
- Improves productivity and workforce participation
- Promotes equity by reaching the poorest sections of society
- Supports national health goals like Universal Health Coverage
Real-Life Example
In Uttar Pradesh, many children under 5 were missing vaccines. With special campaigns under Mission Indradhanush, coverage improved from 50% to over 80% in just two years.
How Immunization in India Reaches Every Citizen
Role of Health Workers
- ASHA (Accredited Social Health Activists) visit homes, register children, and educate families.
- ANMs (Auxiliary Nurse Midwives) give vaccines in health centers and during immunization days.
- Anganwadi Workers support the immunization process by maintaining records and mobilizing the community.
Digital Tools
India uses digital platforms like eVIN (Electronic Vaccine Intelligence Network) and CoWIN for:
- Cold chain monitoring
- Vaccine stock tracking
- Real-time data on vaccination coverage
- SMS reminders to parents
Major Achievements of Immunization in India
Polio-Free Certification
- India received WHO polio-free status in 2014, after three years of zero cases.
- A major milestone in public health and a shining example of how immunization in India saves lives.
COVID-19 Vaccination Drive
India vaccinated over 100 crore (1 billion) people against COVID-19 using homegrown vaccines like Covaxin and Covishield. This was one of the largest vaccination campaigns in the world.
Challenges to Immunization in India
Vaccine Hesitancy
Some people fear side effects or believe in myths, leading to low acceptance in some areas.
Geographical Barriers
Mountains, forests, floods, and deserts make delivery difficult in some regions.
Urban Slums and Migrant Populations
Vaccinating unregistered or mobile families remains a challenge.
Overcoming the Barriers in Immunization in India
Government Solutions
- Behavior change communication (BCC) to build trust
- Mobile vaccination vans for difficult areas
- Involvement of community leaders and influencers
- Special vaccination days for slums, markets, and construction sites
Partnerships
India works with partners like:
- UNICEF
- WHO
- GAVI (Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization)
- Local NGOs
These collaborations help improve the quality and reach of immunization in India.
The Future of Immunization in India
Goals for the Coming Years
- Achieve 100% immunization coverage across all districts
- Introduce new vaccines for diseases like HPV and typhoid
- Integrate AI-based tracking systems
- Use drones for vaccine delivery in remote areas
- Provide more awareness education through school and community programs
The goal is to make immunization in India not just a health activity, but a national movement.
Immunization in India: A Quick Summary Table
| Category | Key Point |
|---|---|
| Program | Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) |
| Launch Year | 1985 |
| Major Success | Eradication of polio (2014) |
| Major Campaign | Mission Indradhanush |
| Current Focus | Reaching left-out children, digitization |
| Free Vaccines | 12+ for children and pregnant women |
| Tech Support | eVIN, CoWIN platforms |
| Workforce | ASHA, ANM, Anganwadi workers |
| Future Plan | 100% immunization, drone delivery, AI tracking |
Conclusion: Immunization in India Saves Lives
Immunization in India has transformed the health of the country. From small villages to big cities, from newborn babies to pregnant mothers, millions of people now receive life-saving vaccines every year. It is a silent hero that works behind the scenes to protect children, reduce illness, and give everyone a fair start in life.
The path has not been easy, but the progress has been remarkable. With continued efforts, strong leadership, and public support, immunization in India will lead the way in building a healthier and safer nation.
Neha Baruah
Pinki Borah
Asik Syed
Tazrin Jakaria