Every year, on March 16th, India observes an important event in its public health calendar – National Vaccination Day. This day, also known as National Immunisation Day or Polio Ravivar, is dedicated to promoting vaccination campaigns and spreading awareness about the vital role vaccines play in preventing infectious diseases.
National Vaccination Day had its inception in 1995 in India, primarily aimed at eradicating polio from the country. Since then, it has evolved into a cornerstone event in India's healthcare system, emphasising the significance of vaccination efforts.
On this day, the Indian government, along with various organisations, conducts extensive vaccination drives across the nation. These initiatives target both children and adults, ensuring they receive essential vaccines against a range of diseases. The focus extends to individuals who may have missed their scheduled immunizations, highlighting the importance of completing vaccination schedules for maximum protection.
Additionally, National Vaccination Day serves as an educational platform to dispel myths and misconceptions surrounding vaccines. Through robust awareness campaigns, the public is educated about the benefits of timely immunization in preventing the spread of diseases.
In 2014, the government launched Mission Indradhanush, with the aim of achieving full immunization coverage for children under two years of age and pregnant women. This initiative contributes to the nation's goal of eradicating measles and rubella by 2024, addressing significant public health concerns. Measles and rubella pose considerable threats, causing substantial mortality and morbidity, yet they are preventable through vaccination.
The COVID-19 pandemic had further emphasised the importance of vaccination campaigns. The government's proactive measures aim to protect the population from the virus and curb its transmission, highlighting the evolving role of National Vaccination Day in addressing contemporary health challenges.
March 16th holds historical significance in India's healthcare journey – it marks the initiation of the Oral Polio Vaccine in 1995. This pivotal event marked the beginning of the government's Pulse Polio Campaign, a monumental effort to eradicate polio nationwide. The campaign targeted children aged 0 to 5 years, administering two oral drops to each recipient.
India's persistent efforts in polio eradication bore fruit in 2011, with the last reported case documented in West Bengal. By 2014, the nation achieved the remarkable feat of being declared polio-free, highlighting the crucial role of immunization in combating life-threatening infectious diseases.
As we approach National Vaccination Day 2024, the theme for this year is announced. The 2024 theme "Vaccines Work for All," emphasise the universal benefits of immunization. Vaccines offer protection against a spectrum of diseases, irrespective of age, gender, or socio-economic status, safeguarding lives and communities against preventable illnesses.
Immunization is a vital public health intervention that provides immunity or resistance to infectious diseases through vaccine administration. Vaccines stimulate the body's immune system, enabling it to recognise and combat pathogens effectively, thereby preventing disease acquisition.
India's Universal Immunization Programme (UIP), introduced in 1978 as the Expanded Programme of Immunisation (EPI), stands as a cornerstone of the nation's public health infrastructure. Initially focusing on safeguarding children from preventable diseases, the program expanded over the years, encompassing a broader spectrum of vaccine-preventable illnesses.
Since 1997, immunization activities have been integral to the National Reproductive and Child Health Program, subsequently becoming a key component of the National Rural Health Mission in 2005. The UIP provides vaccines against seven vaccine-preventable diseases, including diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, polio, measles, tuberculosis, hepatitis B, and Haemophilus influenza type b, among others.
National Vaccination Day epitomises India's commitment to public health through comprehensive immunization strategies. As the nation confronts evolving health challenges, the significance of vaccination campaigns continues to grow, underscoring the pivotal role of immunization in safeguarding population health and fostering disease prevention. Embracing vaccination as a cornerstone of public health policy, India strides forward in its journey towards ensuring a healthier, more resilient society.
