Routine Immunization Program Background-

Immunization Programme is one of the key interventions for protection of children from life threatening conditions, which are preventable. It is one of the largest immunization programme in the world and a major public health intervention in the country.

Immunization Programme in India was introduced in 1978 as Expanded Programme of Immunization 

The programme gained momentum in 1985 and was expanded as Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) to be implemented in phased manner to cover all districts in the cou try by 1989-90.

UIP become a part of Child Survival and Safe Motherhood Programme in 1992 Since, 1997, immunization activities have been an important component of National Reproductive and Child Health Programme and is currently one of the key areas under National Rural Health Mission (NHM) since 2005

Under the Universal Immunization Programme, Government of India is providing vaccination to prevent seven vaccine preventable diseases i.e.

Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus, Polio, Measles, severe form of Childhood Tuberculosis and Hepatitis B

The vaccination schedule under the UIP is:

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 6,10,14 weeks and two booster doses at 16-24 months & 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 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 Immunization Programme

~26 million new born are targeted for vaccination each year through ~9 million immunization session held annually

There are ~25,000 cold chain points in the country to store vaccine under required temperatur.