Universal Immunization Programme

The Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) is a vaccination programme launched by the Government of India in 1985 to prevent infant and child mortality from vaccine-preventable diseases. The programme aims to provide free immunization services to all children in the country, regardless of their socioeconomic status.

Objectives

The main objectives of the Universal Immunization Programme are:

1. To reduce morbidity, mortality, and disability due to vaccine-preventable diseases.
2. To achieve and sustain high immunization coverage across the country.
3. To introduce new and effective vaccines into the programme based on scientific evidence and epidemiological needs.

Vaccine Coverage

Initially, when the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) was launched in 1985, it focused on providing vaccines against six vaccine-preventable diseases: tuberculosis, diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, polio, and measles. Hepatitis B vaccine was introduced in the UIP in 2002-2003, making it seven vaccine-preventable diseases covered under the program.

However, over the years, the UIP has expanded its coverage to include more vaccines. As of 2023, the UIP provides vaccination against 12 vaccine-preventable diseases:

1. Tuberculosis
2. Diphtheria
3. Pertussis
4. Tetanus
5. Polio
6. Measles
7. Hepatitis B
8. Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) – introduced in 2015
9. Rotavirus – introduced in 2016

• Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV) – introduced in 2017
• Rubella – introduced as Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccine in 2017
• Japanese Encephalitis (JE) – in endemic districts

Immunization Schedule

Here’s the immunization schedule under the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) in India, presented in a table format:

Note:

• BCG: Bacillus Calmette-Guérin vaccine (against tuberculosis)
• OPV: Oral Polio Vaccine
• DPT: Diphtheria, Pertussis, and Tetanus vaccine
• HepB: Hepatitis B vaccine
• Hib: Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccine
• PCV: Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine
• fIPV: Fractional Inactivated Polio Vaccine
• JE: Japanese Encephalitis vaccine
• MR: Measles-Rubella vaccine
• Vitamin A is given every six months until the age of five years.

This schedule should be confirmed with latest updates from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.

Implementation and Strategies

The Universal Immunization Programme is implemented through a network of health facilities, including primary health centers, community health centers, and district hospitals. The programme follows a fixed immunization schedule, with vaccines administered at specific ages.

Key strategies employed under the UIP include:

• Outreach sessions to reach children in remote and underserved areas
• Intensive pulse polio immunization campaigns to eradicate polio
• Introducing new vaccines based on disease burden and cost-effectiveness
• Strengthening vaccine logistics and cold chain management
• Enhancing surveillance and monitoring systems to track coverage and disease incidence

Achievements and Impact

Since its launch, the Universal Immunization Programme has made significant progress in improving immunization coverage and reducing vaccine-preventable diseases in India. Some notable achievements include:

• Eradication of polio in 2014
• Substantial reduction in the incidence of measles, diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus
• Introduction of new vaccines like rotavirus and pneumococcal conjugate vaccines
• Improvement in immunization coverage rates, with over 60% of children fully immunized by 12 months of age

Challenges and Way Forward

Despite the progress made, the Universal Immunization Programme faces several challenges, including:

• Reaching the last mile: Ensuring immunization services reach remote and marginalized populations.
• Vaccine hesitancy: Addressing misconceptions and building trust in immunization services.
• Health system strengthening: Improving infrastructure, human resources, and vaccine logistics
• Sustainable financing: Ensuring adequate and sustainable funding for the programme.

To address these challenges, the Government of India is focusing on strategies like Mission Indradhanush, which aims to fully immunize 90% of children by 2020. Continued efforts to strengthen the health system, engage communities, and introduce new vaccines will be crucial in achieving the goals of the Universal Immunization Programme and ensuring a healthier future for India’s children.