Routine Immunization Programme

 Immunization Programme is one of the key interventions for protection of children

from life threatening conditions, which are preventable. It is one of the largest
immunization programme in the world and a major public health intervention in the
country.
 Immunization Programme in India was introduced in 1978 as Expanded Programme
of Immunization (EPI)
 The programme gained momentum in 1985 and was expanded as Universal
Immunization Programme (UIP) to be implemented in phased manner to cover all
districts in the country by 1989-90.
 UIP become a part of Child Survival and Safe Motherhood Programme in 1992
 Since, 1997, immunization activities have been an important component of National
Reproductive and Child Health Programme and is currently one of the key areas
under National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) since 2005
 Under the Universal Immunization Programme, Government of India is providing
vaccination to prevent seven vaccine preventable diseases i.e.
o Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus, Polio, Measles, severe form of Childhood
Tuberculosis and Hepatitis B
 The vaccination schedule under the UIP is:

o BCG (Bacillus Calmette Guerin) 1 dose at Birth (upto 1 year if not given
earlier)
o DPT (Diphtheria, Pertussis and Tetanus Toxoid) 5 doses; Three primary doses
at 6,10,14 weeks and two booster doses at 16-24 months & 5 Years of age
o OPV (Oral Polio Vaccine) 5 doses; 0 dose at birth, three primary doses at 6,10
and 14 weeks and one booster dose at 16-24 months of age
o Hepatitis B vaccine 4 doses; 0 dose within 24 hours of birth and three doses at
6, 10 and 14 weeks of age.
o Measles 2 doses; first dose at 9-12 months and second dose at 16-24months of
age
o TT (Tetanus Toxoid) 2 doses at 10 years and 16 years of age
o TT – for pregnant woman two doses or one dose if previously vaccinated
within 3 Year
 In addition, Japanese Encephalitis (JE vaccine) vaccine was introduced in 112
endemic districts in campaign mode in phased manner from 2006-10 and has now
been incorporated under the Routine Immunization Programme
 ~26 million new born are targeted for vaccination each year through ~9 million
immunization session held annually
  There are ~25,000 cold chain points in the country to store vaccine under required
temperature
 The Full Immunization coverage as assessed by various surreys are as below:

Source Coverage Evaluation Survey District Level Household Survey

(CES) (DLHS)
Time Period 2009 DLHS 3 (2007-08)
Full Immunization 61.0 53.5
BCG 86.9 86.7
OPV3 70.4 65.6
DPT3 71.5 63.4
Measles 74.1 69.1
No Immunization 7.6 4.6
(Figures are in %)
 The total financial outlay for Routine Immunization Programme for 2011-12 was Rs
631.6 crore. This includes cost for vaccine, syringes, cold chain and operational cost
provided to the sates/UTs under PIP.