World Immunisation Week, from April 24th-30th, commemorates the 50th anniversary of the World Health Organization’s Expanded Program on Immunisation (EPI). This milestone honors the global immunization efforts that have saved numerous lives and protected communities over the past five decades. In India, the Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP) has been successful in expanding immunisation coverage to more than 90% children. Although coverage in the first year is high, drop-out rates after 1st birthday increase. A significant number of children in the country remain partially vaccinated.
Vaccination plays a critical role in safeguarding children between the ages of 1-2 against multiple diseases.Vaccination averted 37 million childhood deaths in lower and middle-income countries between 2000 and 2019.The Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP) recommends seven vaccinations* for children of this age group, first and second dose of varicella and hepatitis A, second dose of meningitis# and MMR, booster doses of PCV and DTP Hib IPV, and annual dose of flu.
Immunization is crucial for children to protect against serious infections and complications, reduce hospitalization burden, and achieve physical and cognitive milestones on time. Dr. Rashna Dass Hazarika,M.D. (Pediatrics), Nemcare Superspeciality Hospital, Bhangagarh, Guwahati says, “Vaccination is a parent’s best investment in a child’s healthy future followed by education.”