Immunisation is the process of administering vaccines to people to safeguard them from diseases. It is necessary that people be made aware of the crucial role immunisation plays so that they are more accepting of it.
Across the globe, immunisation is credited with saving countless lives every year. It is an extremely efficient and cost-effective way to prevent and eradicate diseases. The diseases that immunisation has aided in controlling range from COVID-19 to polio and tuberculosis. Immunisation also helps build herd immunity and hence contributes to a healthier community.
Immunisation in India has additional challenges. It is difficult to immunise people living in remote locations, and children often are either not immunised at all or do not take all the recommended doses of vaccines. This increases their risk of childhood diseases and also places them at a higher risk of death compared to immunised children.
Vaccines are one of humanity’s greatest achievements. Vaccines usually contain weakened or inactive forms of disease-causing germs. They protect individuals and communities from serious, often deadly, diseases by stimulating the body’s immune system to recognise and fight off specific pathogens without causing the illness.
Different vaccines work in different ways and some vaccines need boosters to maintain the protection they offer. Most of the vaccines take a few weeks to instil protection and last for a lifetime.
Benefits of (Immunisation) Vaccination
- Prevents the spread of infectious diseases
- Reduces the risk of serious illnesses and complications
- Protects vulnerable populations such as infants and children
- Contributes to herd immunity making it harder for the diseases to spread within communities
- Lowers healthcare costs by reducing the burden of treating preventable diseases
Vaccinations are safe as authorities such as the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) verify the same before they are licensed.
Every newborn child deserves the benefit of these vaccinations, but the sad fact is that millions of children miss out on this opportunity.
India’s healthcare strategies have focused on immunisation which has helped in significantly reducing disease incidence as well as child mortality.
Universal Immunization Programme (UIP)
Launched in 1978 as the Expanded Programme on Immunization and then renamed as the Universal Immunization Program in 1985 when coverage was extended to include rural areas, the UIP is a thorough and complete initiative to make sure vaccines are available to newborns and pregnant women. With its incorporation into the National Rural Health Mission, the UIP plays a crucial role in making sure newborns in even the most remote parts of the country get the necessary vaccines.
The UIP’s target is to reach 2.67 crore newborns and 2.9 crore pregnant women every year. Not only has it been cost-effective, but more importantly, it has brought down the under-5 mortality rate significantly. Thanks to consistent efforts, India’s full immunisation coverage for the financial year 2023-24 is at 93.23%.
With continuous efforts by one and all, the day is not far off when the country reaches 100% coverage. Let us all resolve to make this happen.
Hospitals play a crucial role in immunization by offering vaccination services to patients, ensuring healthcare workers are vaccinated, and promoting vaccination awareness, thereby contributing to public health and patient safety.
Kauvery Hospital has been contributing to immunisation programmes through its active participation and by using the following strategies.
- Patient Education:
Educating patients and their families about the importance of vaccination and the benefits of vaccines.
- Community Outreach:
Participating in community outreach programs to raise awareness about vaccination and encouraging immunization.
- Collaboration with Public Health Agencies:
Collaborating with public health agencies to implement and promote immunization programs.
Dr Pushkala. M. S.
Senior Consultant Paediatrician
Kauvery Hospital, Chennai
