National Immunization Day observed in India

On January 19, 2020, the National Immunization Day (NID) was observed all over India as a part of Pulse Polio Programme, 2020. Around 17.4 crore children of age less than 5 hears were administered polio drops to sustain polio eradication in India.

Highlights

India has eradicated polio completely in 2012.  In order to sustain the eradication, GoI organizes Pulse Polio immunization campaigns on the standards set by World Health Organization (WHO). The next round of National Immunization Day is to be held in March 10.

National Immunization Day

The National Immunization Day are one of the four strategies that are recommended by the WHO to eradicate polio completely. According to WHO, the NID has to be conducted twice a year at a gap of 2 to 4 weeks.

There are two types of vaccines that are being administered in the country. It includes IPV (Inactivated Polio Vaccine) and OPV (Oral Polio Vaccine).

What are IPV and OPV?

IPV is a wild-type poliovirus strain that is administered in combination of other vaccines. It includes Diptheria, pertussis, tetanus, haemophilus, hepatitis B and influenza.

IPV is more effective than OPV. It increases intestinal immunity in children who have been already immunized with OPV.

Month: Current Affairs - January, 2020