World Immunisation Day: Doctors Stress Lifelong Importance of Vaccination

On the occasion of World Immunisation Day, health experts highlighted the vital role of vaccination in preventing life-threatening diseases and ensuring community health for both children and adults.

Under India’s Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP), vaccines are provided against 12 preventable diseases, including Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus, Polio, Measles, Tuberculosis, Hepatitis B, and Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib) infections. The programme also includes protection against Rubella, Rotavirus diarrhoea, and Japanese Encephalitis in high-risk areas, targeting newborns and pregnant women.

To bridge coverage gaps, the government launched Mission Indradhanush in 2014, aiming for 90% full immunisation coverage nationwide, particularly in remote and underserved communities.

“India’s national coverage for the DTP3 vaccine is around 94%, which shows remarkable progress toward universal immunisation,” said Dr. Srikrishna Raghavendra Boddu, Consultant General Physician. “In Telangana, child immunisation rates are approximately 67%, reflecting success but also the need for stronger outreach, especially among migrant and rural populations,” he added.

Dr. Boddu further emphasised that vaccination should be viewed “from cradle to cane,” stressing that immunisation is essential at every stage of life, not just in childhood.